On 12 February, Hospitality & Catering students at Harlow College welcomed guest speaker Anurag Aggarwal, who delivered an inspiring presentation followed by a cooking demonstration in the Skills Kitchen.

A finalist on MasterChef UK in 2023, Anurag shared insights that extended well beyond culinary technique.

His talk centred on the “three P’s of happiness” - Purpose, Passion and Present - encouraging students to reflect on what truly drives them, what excites them enough to never feel like work, and why meaningful progress begins by taking action now.

In the Skills Kitchen, Anurag demonstrated versatile dishes that could be adapted across different menu concepts, urging students to experiment, think creatively and build confidence rather than rely solely on recipes. He also spoke candidly about his own journey, explaining how following his passion after MasterChef opened doors to mentoring, writing and public speaking.

Students were encouraged to ask questions, learn from mistakes, seek mentors and act without waiting for the “perfect time”. Anurag has also offered ongoing support to those seeking advice on careers in hospitality, competitions and developing their own food concepts.