Lichfield chef cooks meals for staff at former school stomping ground

The owner of a Michelin Guide restaurant is preparing and delivering meals for staff at his former school during lockdown.

Liam Dillon, owner of The Boat Inn, attended King Edward VI School, Lichfield, and is providing his Heat At Home meals free of charge every week during lockdown.

During the third national lockdown, the restaurant 's team have been delivering their 'Heat At Home ' meals across not just the West Midlands, but the UK, selling out every week. Liam, who found his passion for cooking while at the school, came up with the idea to give something back to his alma mater.

Liam said: “I wanted to give something back to my community. Where better to start than the school where I spent so many happy years, the place that gave me the platform to now be my own boss as a restaurant owner.

“Every week until lockdown ends, I will be delivering five of our Heat At Home meals for teachers and staff who are working so hard, helping pupils, during these very difficult times.

“It was great to be back, it actually gave me a few goose bumps. Obviously, I would have loved to have gone back inside the school buildings and see my old classrooms, maybe one day when Covid-19 allows. ”

Jane Rutherford, headteacher at Kind Edward VI, Lichfield said: “It was a pleasure to see Liam again at school. It is such a kind gesture, and his weekly deliveries will put a smile on the face of many of the school 's hardworking staff. One of the first meals went to one of Liam 's former teachers.

“More than ever at a time when we are not able to see each other every day,, our students appreciate inspirational stories. Seeing Liam 's business and industry success at such a young age, and now his weekly deliveries to the school will support their motivation and encourage them to work hard work to fulfil their own dreams. ”

The Boat Inn has again been added to the 2021 Michelin Guide and is the only 3* Rosette establishment in the Staffordshire.

Every week Dillon and other chefs at The Boat star in lessons live on Facebook explaining his Heat At Home dishes and how to cook them - www.facebook.com/theboatinnlichfield.

To order a Heat At Home meal, visit www.theboatinnlichfield.com/online-ordering

Pictured: Jane Rutherford (left) with one of Liam's Heat at Home meal kits