CHILDREN at Shipston Primary School deserted their desks for the kitchens when they ran two restaurants in one day.

Fifty diners from the local community, including the Mayor of Shipston and the school’s headteacher, were treated to a gastronomic world tour, as Year 5 pupils cooked a range of great-tasting international dishes such as coq au vin, chicken biryani and Greek salad.

A range of delicious puddings and cakes including lemon posset were served to guests, who were left asking for more.

Pupils took on the roles of front-of-house and kitchen staff and thanks to some professional tips and training from Shipston’s Mrs Brown’s Tea Rooms, they served the guests food and drinks with confidence and ease.

Ten-year-old head chef Olivia said: “We really enjoyed planning what had to be done and when, so that our guests had a great time in the restaurants.

It was hard work but worth it. We learnt so many different things.”

The day was part of a learning topic about healthy lifestyles.

The school’s headteacher Christian Hilton said: “The service and quality of the food was exemplary and guests were asking us when they could book again. This experience hasn’t only given our pupils an insight into a career in catering, but it has helped them to develop planning skills, creativity and collaboration as well as boosting their confidence in serving the general public.”