The team at Standard Bank Jersey reflects on why the bank brought Michael Caines to the island last month
THIRTY hospitality students from The Guernsey Institute met celebrated chef Michael Caines during a visit organised by Standard Bank Jersey in partnership with Alba Bar & Restaurant.
The student session on Friday 16 October brought Michael together with people developing their careers in the island’s hospitality sector.
Michael, who was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, shared insights from his professional journey and advice on pursuing a career in hospitality. Each student also received a personally signed copy of his cookbook.
Michael Caines said: “It was a real pleasure to meet the students in Guernsey and share some of the experiences that have shaped my career. Their enthusiasm was wonderful to see, and I hope our time together encouraged them to think ambitiously about their own futures.
“Hospitality offers so many opportunities to learn, create and grow. Helping emerging talent discover where their skills and passion might take them is something I feel strongly about.”
Supporting the next generation is an established part of Michael’s work, with the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College helping train aspiring hospitality professionals. His Guernsey visit brought that commitment to a local audience.
Rivelino Rodrigues, hospitality and catering lecturer at The Guernsey Institute, said: “Hearing about Michael’s career and learning directly from him brought a different dimension to our students’ training and helped them see the possibilities ahead. They took away inspiration and insight they can draw on as they develop their own careers. We are grateful to Standard Bank for creating such a special opportunity.”
During the visit, Michael also hosted a private dining event at Alba for Standard Bank’s Guernsey-based clients. Working alongside the restaurant’s team, he helped deliver an evening of food and conversation, including a question-and-answer session about his career and approach to hospitality.
Alba Bar & Restaurant, in St Peter Port’s historic Market Square, combines European influences with local ingredients and wood-fired cooking. The collaboration gave the independent restaurant an opportunity to showcase its food and its team’s skills.
David Matheson, owner of Alba, said: “For a local, independently owned restaurant, the opportunity to welcome Michael and work alongside him was something special. At Alba, we’re passionate about combining great local ingredients with European influences and the flavour of wood-fired cooking, so this was a wonderful opportunity to share what we do.
“Standard Bank’s support made possible an experience that brought real value to our business and our team, while putting Guernsey’s hospitality talent in the spotlight. Seeing that opportunity extend to local students made the collaboration even more rewarding.”
Charles Molteno, chief executive and island head at Standard Bank Jersey, said: “Michael’s visit combined a memorable experience for our clients with a valuable learning opportunity for local students. Working with Alba and The Guernsey Institute enabled us to celebrate the island’s hospitality talent while supporting its next generation. We are delighted to have made those connections possible and hope the students carry that inspiration into their future careers.”
Standard Bank Jersey Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Standard Bank House, 47-49 La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4SZ. Registered in Jersey No 12999. Standard Bank Offshore Group Limited is registered in Jersey No 43694. Standard Bank Offshore Group Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Bank Group.
