Prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs are being taught sushi-making as part of First Dates star Fred Sirieix’s Escape Kitchen scheme, which has been praised by inspectors.
Prisoners are being taught to make sushi as part of First Dates star Fred Siriex’s Escape Kitchen initiative. The dishes – made using rice rolled with raw seafood or veg – was invented in Japan in the 12th Century. Since then it has become a worldwide hit, with more than 2,600 restaurants in the UK.
And now, lags at Wormwood Scrubs – a 1,200 capacity jail in west London – are being taught the art of sushi making.
A report by Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, praised the jail for introducing the cookery course. Inmates are taught how to make the classic Japanese dish in the jail’s aptly-named Escape Kitchen, along with how to bake bread and make a barista-style cup of coffee.
The report – out earlier this month – highlights the Escape Kitchen as an example of ‘notable positive practice’, which it says should inspire other jails to copy.
It states: “Prisoners who attended their education and skills activities developed valuable new knowledge, skills and behaviours.
“For example, in the Escape Kitchen, prisoners developed barista skills, and skills in baking and sushi making.”
A former prison worker said he’d never heard of inmates being taught in the art of sushi making.
He said: “Just before I left the service they were introducing barista courses, which we thought at the time was a bit mad, but it worked.
“Loads of prisoners have gone on to work in coffee shops, so I guess it will be the same with sushi.”
A previous report praised the Escape Kitchen – which opened in 2021 and is run by The Right Course charity, set up by First Dates TV star Fred Sirieix – for training lags as waiters and chefs.
It stated: “The ‘Escape offers a much-improved café to staff at Wormwood Scrubs.
“The menu in the ‘Escape’ is varied and healthy, and the staff working there have all been trained to give excellent customer service.”
The charity supports prisoners in finding work once they are released from prison. It allows prisoners to spend time cooking and learning the art of service.
When the restaurant opened in 2021. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted to be here for the opening of the ‘Escape’ restaurant – this is a brilliant initiative that gives prisoners practical work experience and highly regarded qualifications, which will help them to get back on track after leaving prison.”
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