When the futuristic Plateau Restaurant on Canary Wharf became a member of the Role Model Project we were delighted.

The restaurant has earned a reputation among London's business elite for fine dining and excellent service.

Now the staff from Plateau are set to use their skills in a very different environment by helping youngsters in local primary schools learn about food and where it comes from.

The idea is the brainchild of head chef Allan Picket who ran a Michelin-starred restaurant before taking over at Plateau.

Allan attended The Howard School in Kent before studying at Thanet Technical College, also in Kent.

He may already have forgotten more about food than most of us will ever know, but with two young children of his own, Allan believes it is vital that youngsters learn the simple basics of a healthy diet.

Moreover, he wants pupils from an early age to enjoy tasting, touching and preparing food.

With this in mind, Allan and his team are set to run sessions in local classrooms complete with quizzes, food tasting and other fun activities which are carefully designed to help children learn.

Rumour has it that weird but tasty jellies will play a key role while an occasional lobster or crab may make a guest appearance.

The aim is have young eyes open wide in amazement and to give children an experience they can't wait to tell their parents about when they get home.

Of course, class teachers will be on hand to ensure all is safe and well and help pupils take as much as they can from the initiative.

Patrick Gaffney, Director of the Role Model Project said, “I was delighted when the Plateau Restaurant got in contact. Our members include a wide range of businesses but this is the first time we have teamed up with a top restaurant.”

“Past visits by our role models have seen actors, artists, lawyers, nurses, business people, sports stars and even a Prime Minister work with pupils, but this is the first time we have arranged for a top chef to go into schools.”

“I am certain the classes will be thrilled with what they see, what they do and what they find out.”