At St Helen’s, food is more than just a snack or meal. It is an opportunity for students to socialise with friends, a fundamental human pleasure, while refuelling healthily and happily for the rest of their busy day.
Every member of the school community enjoys a delicious lunch cooked from scratch by our skilled Catering team. Focusing on the importance of varied and hearty eating, educating pallets and the benefits of the ‘restaurant experience’, our Executive Chef views the School’s food as “the fuel that fires the engine of St Helen’s” and takes immense pride in the importance of a great lunch.
Lunch is served in our bright and open Refectory – often the first port of call for students taking their parents on a tour of the School. There is typically a choice of four hot meals each day, including at least one vegetarian option. There are also lighter options such as soups, jacket potatoes and a wide range of salads. To finish off, students and staff can choose from a delicious dessert, fruit or something from the sweet treats counter.
The relationship between Catering team and student is special and unique, and the satisfaction and health of our students is at the forefront of everything our Executive Chef and his team does.
After school, our Library Café is open to all students staying for supervised prep or for an after-school club or activity. Packed teas are available to order, particularly handy for those rushing off to a club, rehearsal or to play sport.
Sixth Form students can enjoy the Benedict Building café where they can purchase hot and cold drinks, delicious toasties and paninis, freshly made cakes and other treats. Free fresh fruit is also available throughout the day. At lunchtime, they join the rest of the school community in the Refectory.
Elsewhere, our Garden to Table Club tends to our greenhouses growing herbs and seasonal vegetables throughout the year. Students can proudly use their own produce – such as tomatoes, courgettes, beetroot and rocket – to make sustainable (and delicious) food.
Visit SHSK Thinks to read kitchen tips and recipes from our Food and Nutrition Department.
