Gloucestershire College Students Launch New Training Restaurant with an Evening of Fine Dining

Gloucestershire College was joined by representatives from the food and hospitality industry to celebrate the opening of its newly refurbished training bistro, Restaurant Number One on Tuesday night.

Guests were treated to a mouth-watering five course menu prepared and served by GC catering and hospitality students, which included a starter of salmon cured in beetroot and Pernod, a main course of braised shoulder of lamb in a red wine jus, and a spiced berry panna cotta with a honeycomb dust for dessert.

As well as introducing Restaurant Number One, the event was a chance to announce the exciting new initiatives the GC School of Catering and Hospitality is launching in the near future, in collaboration with local businesses and The Chefs’ Forum.

Head of GC Hospitality School, Jo O’Connell said: “The industry is struggling to recruit and retain staff, so as a ‘supplier’ of the young workforce, it is clear that a new approach is required.

“Gloucestershire College takes its responsibility to create a pipeline of skilled and motivated staff very seriously, so we have created a long-term plan to make the hospitality industry a first choice career, with the help of our sponsors, the Savoy Educational Trust and Creed Food Service.

“We’re following a new curriculum of City and Guilds technical qualifications, which have been designed with industry professionals and work on developing technical skills, workplace behaviours and soft skills, as well as employer involvement through mentoring, work experience and sponsorship.

“We’re also delighted to announce that a new Chef Academy will be launched in January 2017 in conjunction with The Chefs’ Forum. This initiative will bring together employers, suppliers and education, to mentor, motivate and inspire the talent of tomorrow.”

Catherine Farinha, Founder of The Chefs’ Forum said: “The Chefs’ Forum has been working with Gloucestershire College for the past three years and it is an honour to be here for the launch of Number One Restaurant this evening.

“The teaching team and students are outstanding in terms of enthusiasm, motivation and aptitude. We are delighted to be launching The Chefs’ Forum Academy at the College this January and very much look forward to welcoming top chefs and industry experts into the college to enrich the learning of its talented students.”

Restaurant Number One boasts a contemporary setting, with neutral colours and plush seating: perfect for informal dining. It will be open to the public for lunch from 12pm to 2pm Tuesday to Friday during term time, and also for evening meals on Thursday evenings.

It will serve a bistro style menu of seasonal, fresh and local produce, at competitive prices. Light options, such as sandwiches and continental sharing platters will also be available.

For more information on catering and hospitality courses at Gloucestershire College visit: www.gloscol.ac.uk/catering

To contact Restaurant Number One email Restaurantno.1@gloscol.ac.uk