Marc McCrone

The Preston Cookery School is run by Marc McCrone, a former Preston College student, who has made a name for himself within the world of catering. Here's a quick biography on Marc's career to date.

“I started my catering life at Preston college on a two year programme and gained all catering and hospitality qualifications. Here, I was very lucky to be given the chance to represent the college in a North West Christmas competition. After leaving college, I worked for the world-renowned Savoy Hotel group in London, before coming back up North to working in numerous hotels and restaurants. I have been very fortunate to have made links with many named celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein and Marco Pierre White.

After working in the food and hospitality trade for over 27 years, I have returned to my roots at Preston College to share my knowledge and skills to give students and learners the opportunity to achieve the same or better.”

Sandra Grice

Sandra is a leading pastry and patisserie chef, having won medals and awards for her work at several high profile catering and hospitality events.

With over 20 years experience working for some of the top hotels and restaurants in the area, Sandra moved into teaching in 2005 and has helped and supported many young patisserie chefs go on to great things.

Sandra was recently awarded several prestigious Salon Culinaire awards at the Hotelympia event in London where she competed against entrants from some of the country's best eating establishments. Sandra came away from the event with a host of ‘Best in Class' awards as well as a ‘Best in Show' award.

At the Preston Cookery School, Sandra will be hoping to pass her expert knowledge and skills on to some of you.

Jason Whittle

Jason has over 20 years experience in the catering and hospitality industry serving various chef roles throughout Preston and Lancashire including a period at the Kilhey Court Hotel in Wigan before heading down under to Australia.

In Oz, Jason worked as Sous Chef at the Leigh Street Brasserie in Adelaide, gaining vital experience which he brought back with him and utilised in roles as Head Chef at various establishments in the Lancashire area.

Since 2000, Jason has passed his skills on to trainee chefs at Preston College as programme leader on the professional cookery courses.

Simon Whittle

Simon has a wealth of experience in professional kitchens, having worked at several of the region's top restaurants during his career.

Involved with catering and restaurants from an early age, Simon has always strived for the best and has worked in some of the region's best restaurants and hotels including Kilhey Court and Blackpool's Imperial Hotel. Following this Simon worked briefly in Miami, Florida with a friend who had set up a restaurant, before returning to the Imperial Hotel and Wheelers Fish Restaurant.

During his career, Simon has cooked with some of the best chefs in the industry and during his time at the Imperial, he created dishes for the then Prime Minister John Major.

Simon joined Preston College in 2010 and is our expert chef on several of our Master Classes including 'A Taste of Lancashire.'