pancake challenge

Students from Istituto Tecnico per il Turismo G.Mazzotti, Treviso in northern Italy, took part in a pancake challenge at the Maids Head Hotel, in Norwich, to mark  Shrove Tuesday.

The Italian students were victorious in a timed pancake making competition, against a team comprising staff from the Maids Head, The English Experience and Liftshare.

Linzi Rawson, Sales Manager, Maids Head Hotel explained: “The English Experience asked if we would host the group of 40 Italian students and take them on a tour of the hotel. As it was Shrove Tuesday, we decided to also introduce them to our pancake tradition. Head Chef, ‘Magic’ Marcin Pomierny gave a pancake making demonstration, then two teams made as many pancakes as they could in 10 minutes, with the Italian students coming out on top. We were really pleased to work with The English Experience on this visit, along with Liftshare, who are also hosting the students.”

The Italians, whose school focuses on languages and vocational training for careers in the tourism industry, are in Norwich for a fortnight studying with The English Experience.

Cristina Pastrello, English teacher with the students from Treviso said: “We do not have pancakes in Italy on Shrove Tuesday, so today was an excellent way to open the students to British culture at first hand. It is my first visit to Norwich. I am enjoying my stay here. Norwich has retained its character much better than other British towns, especially the local shops.”

Iris De Longhi, one of the students who took part in the pancake challenge said: “I really enjoyed learning about and cooking pancakes, and also tasting the Head Chef’s pancakes, which were very good.”

Carol Syder, Director, The English Experience added: “We have been working with the tourism school from Treviso for 15 years. Industry visits in Norwich, like this one to the Maids Head and to Liftshare, are becoming more and more popular and valuable as the students develop their vocational skills.”

maidsheadhotel.co.uk