The Hospitality and Catering area is recognized locally and nationally as a dynamic,
innovative and highly successful training environment with outstanding resources.
Students learn and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in a Realistic
Work Environment which includes three highly equipped ‘state of the art’ kitchens
and the College Restaurant and Café.
Since refurbishment in September 2005 the Restaurant has received outstanding reviews
from food critics and was awarded Restaurant Magazine’s UK ‘College Restaurant of
the Year’ in 2009 after winning the Southern title on three occasions.
The eighty cover Restaurant provides students with a ‘West End standard’ environment
to practice service and management skills in modern luxury surroundings with service
at lunch and dinner and for a range of themed events and functions. The College
Café provides a modern high turnover setting for the services of Italian Coffees,
snacks and light lunches as well as a take away service.
Many Catering and Travel students enjoy visiting this facility during their leisure
time! The fully licensed Bar boasts a real training environment to advanced students
in Barista, Wine and Bar service operations.
The College Restaurant is supported by three kitchens boasting the latest equipment
including state of the art Charvet ovens, induction hobs and high technology kitchen
equipment. A dedicated pastry production area equipped with specialist bakery and
pastry ovens provide opportunities for students to specialize in confectionary and
patisserie.
All student Chefs are trained to the highest level with on course opportunities
to work in a number of outlets including the Royal Household, and top London Restaurants
as well as compete in National Competitions as part of the Aim High
programme.
The Restaurant and Kitchen areas are equipped with the latest information technology
equipment as found in major Hotels and Restaurants as well as closed circuit video
display monitors with internet links to record kitchen activity.
As well as our lunch and dinners, our excellent facilities are home to several lavish
banquets at which students have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s
top Chefs. Past guest chefs have included Marcus Waring, Angela Hartnett and twice
by Heston Blumenthal.
The area’s class room accommodation includes fully equipped computer suites and
the latest learning and assessment equipment including CaTranet, the area’s on line
learning and information portal.