New £3.4 Million Facility at Cornwall College Officially Opened by Nathan Outlaw and Pierre Koffmann

A new £3.4 million fine dining restaurant at Cornwall College Cambornehas been officially opened alongside new state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons.

The world classfacility,which incorporates Trevenson Restaurant and Koko Hair and Beauty, has been built following consultation and support, both financial and knowledge based, from industry partners including Dairy Crest, In-toto Kitchens, Wing of St Mawes and Robert Welch Design, as well as £2 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Stuart Mathieson, Head of Hospitality at Cornwall College Camborne, said: “This opening marks a major milestone and it is something we have been working towards for a number of years.  Ensuring our students have access to a realistic and modern work environment is important, not only to the individual, but to the Hospitality industry itself, because we can offer them not just a qualification, but real employability skills. This development further consolidates the enormous reputation that this site has locally, nationally and internationally for Hospitality training.”

The site, which boasts a new demonstration theatre, modern teaching space, salon and restaurant, gives students realistic work experience in a professionally run environment.  World renowned chefs Pierre Koffmann and Nathan Outlaw carried out cookery demonstrations to the invited guests, including local business owners and members of the hospitality industry.

Pierre, said: “It has been a real honour to be involved in the opening of the new Trevenson Restaurant.  The facilities here are world class and that combined with brilliant teaching will only help to strengthen the food industry in Cornwall for the future.”

The launch event was supported by The Chefs’ Forum. Catherine Farinha, the forum founder said: “Since its inception in 2010, The Chefs’ Forum has forged valuable links between the catering colleges and top chefs across the south of the UK. It is a real honour to work with industry heroes like Pierre Koffmann, Nathan Outlaw and the many great chefs in Cornwall. Communication between education and industry in the region has never been better. We are always very impressed with the talented students at Cornwall College and are delighted to contribute to the re-launch of Trevenson Restaurant.”

The facility has been supported by both local and national businesses; among them is Wing of St Mawes. Rob Wing, Managing Director, said: “Modern state-of-the-art catering facilities are essential to Cornwall’s hospitality industry if we are to deliver high quality staff into an industry of primary importance to our county.  As an ex-student I have a strong affinity with the College and it is important Cornwall leads the way in providing first class amenities for our students to benefit from. As a local business supplying seafood throughout our county, I feel it is right to sponsor such a facility.  Cornwall College has for many years delivered high quality students into our catering industry and the county is seen nationally as a centre of food excellence.”

Adam Clark from Bedruthan Steps Hotel demonstrated ‘wild food’ to the students and guests. Showcasing the fantastic foraged ingredients that is available on the coast of Cornwall, as well as wild sea bass. Adam conducts ‘wild food’ courses from the Bedruthan Steps Hotel which is open to chefs and the general public.

Koko Hair and Beauty is due to officially open in September, but today members of industry were invited to explore the new facilities that include a hair salon, nail bar and massage suite.  Bobby Northcott, Curriculum Area Manager for Hair and Beauty, said: “We have a strong relationship with our local employers, but the aim of the new salon is to further enhance that by offering them an opportunity to shape the service and the training that we offer.  We will offer a complete solution by delivering students with work-based skills and experience, and the training and development, which is appropriate to those already established in industry.”

Amarjit Basi, Principal and CEO of The Cornwall College Group, said: “The opening of the new Trevenson Restaurant and Koko salons is a key indicator of our new strategic intent, providing world class facilities for our learners and industry partners.  The hospitality industry in Cornwall is a key growth sector and our aim is to fill the skills gap created by growing demand.”

Photography by Andrew Plant: www.imagine-photographic.com