BAR 44 has been helping pupils from Stanwell School develop their culinary skills.

The Penarth restaurant hosted a tapas masterclass for A-level Food Technology students from the high school.

Tom Maynard, head chef at Bar 44, taught the students how to create authentic Spanish desserts to help with their studies on cultural dishes.

Students helped Tom create a Strawberry and Pedro Ximinez Crema Catalana and Valencian Orange Cake with toasted Almonds, which all used Spanish ingredients.

The Spanish masterclass is the first of several link-ups they plan to do with the school over the next year. Bar 44 is also planning to provide work experience opportunities for students who have a passion for the hospitality industry.

Owen Morgan, co-founder of Bar 44, said: “We really enjoyed having students from Stanwell in the restaurant. We have an open kitchen in Penarth which meant they could easily watch and participate in creating the dishes.

“The students all seemed very passionate about catering and it’s great to see there are many people now considering it as a career. When we heard Stanwell was running a module on cultural cuisines, we were delighted to help. At Bar 44, we pride ourselves on serving authentic tapas with a modern twist and we hope that the students found the masterclass very beneficial. We wish them all the best with their upcoming exams.”

Ceri Mead, of Stanwell School, said: “The students really enjoyed their experience at Bar 44. Whilst we teach them a vast amount about the hospitality industry, it’s important that they experience first-hand what it is like in a working kitchen. Tom was very helpful and answered any questions the students had and they certainly enjoyed it when they were asked to help out with tasks.

“It’s very important to us at Stanwell that the students learn to cook and appreciate a variety of cuisines so we’d like to thank Bar 44 for their help in teaching the students how to create Spanish desserts. We’re sure they’ll be having a go at making the dishes at home.”

Bar 44 was established in 2002 in Cowbridge due to the Morgan brothers' love for fresh Spanish food. Following the success of the original venue they opened their second restaurant in Penarth in 2012 and will launch a third in Cardiff city centre later this year.

The restaurants have received UK-wide recognition from the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2013.