Behind every fresh and healthy school lunch we serve at AiP is a passionate team who works hard to deliver meals that are delicious and constantly evolve with a growing generation’s taste and culture for food. Among those who heads our dedicated team is Stuart Brown, AiP’s Development Chef. With eight years at AiP, Stuart brings creativity and a deep appreciation for the culinary arts. In this blog Stuart shares some of his fondest food memories growing up.
A Lifelong Love of Food
For Stuart, food has always been about flavour and sharing. From fresh seafood to the spices of curries, he’s happiest when he’s cooking something vibrant. “I’m a big fan of cooking curries,” he says. “Everything from naan and pakora to raita—it’s great being able to make your own and seeing family and friends enjoy it.” For Stuart, food is about connection as much as it is about taste, something that naturally carries over into the meals he helps create for schools.
Old School Memories and Thick-Based Pizza
When asked about his own school dinners, Stuart’s mind goes back to ‘pizza’. “At secondary school, I used to love their homemade pizza. The base was so thick, it was almost like a savoury scone.” Now, he finds himself on the other side of the counter, helping today’s pupils build food memories of their own.
Making a Difference For Pupils
So what keeps Stuart motivated after nearly a decade with AiP? For him, it comes down to the pupils. “I love being able to make a difference to what pupils eat,” he says. “Seeing how much they enjoy the food, the comments they make, and even the reactions of the teachers, it’s all so rewarding.” Whether he’s introducing a new dish or shaping the offer in a new school, he thrives on the chance to improve experiences.
More Than Just Meals
For Stuart, school catering is about creating food experiences that pupils can look forward to each day. Crafting meals that not only taste good but supports pupil wellbeing too.