Newly reimagined Thoresby Hall welcomed a new cohort of students from West Nottinghamshire College as 30 learners took part in the fifth annual ‘hotel takeover’ at the historic venue.
Students from hospitality, catering and construction courses stepped into a variety of job roles across the hotel, including chefs, front-of-house staff, bartenders, housekeepers and maintenance personnel. Working on a realistic shift basis, they gained valuable hands-on experience within a large, fully functioning hotel to complement their college-based training.
The initiative continues to go from strength to strength, offering students the opportunity to develop vital employability skills in a fast-paced hospitality environment, supported by experiencedindustry professionals.
Thoresby Hall, a Grade I listed property near Newark, has recently undergone a £15.5 million investment by Warner Hotels, transforming it into a premium wellness retreat and foodie destination. The refurbishment included upgrades to 22 bedrooms, new accommodation, 51 enhanced patios, reconfigured social spaces and elevated dining experiences, including stunning The Blue Room restaurant and revamped Live Lounge bar.
The enhanced standards across the hotel meant students were challenged to perform at an even higher level throughout the week.
Student chefs worked across busy kitchen services catering for hundreds of guests, while hospitality and service students supported operations in areas such as the Manvers Bar, library and dining spaces. Housekeeping teams ensured rooms were maintained to a high standard, and construction students worked alongside maintenance teams to manage the upkeep of the historic hotel and its stunning grounds, on the edge of Sherwood Forest.
Charlie Taylor, 18, who is studying on the Intermediate Diploma in Professional Cookery, said: “Being in the kitchens at Thoresby Hall has been a completely different level. The pace, the volume – going from 30 to 50 covers at college to 200 to 400 here – it really pushes you, but that’s how you learn fast. Communication and teamwork are everything; you can’t run a kitchen without them.
“I’ve loved the pressure because it makes you sharper and more organised. To be here just two days and already have a head chef wanting to hire me – it shows that hard work, attitude, and pride in what you do really pay off. I’ve always wanted to be a chef, and this experience has made it feel real.”
Intermediate Diploma in Food and Beverage Service student Betty Ashworth, 17, said:
“Hotel takeover has really pushed me to step up my game. The standards here are so high – it’s not just about serving breakfast, it’s about presenting yourself professionally, paying attention to every detail, and delivering that extra level of service. At times it feels intense but I actually enjoy that pressure and it gives you a real adrenaline boost.
“Most importantly, it’s helped me grow in confidence. Speaking to guests every day has brought me out of my shell, and I can already see how much my skills are improving. It’s made me realise I’d love to work somewhere like this in the future.”
Shea Atkinson, 18, who is completing an Advanced Diploma in Site Carpentry, said:
“Working with the maintenance team has really opened my eyes to a different side of the trade. It’s not just carpentry, it’s a bit of everything, from fixing doors to dealing with issues across the hotel, and I’ve really enjoyed that variety.
“The biggest difference is working in a live environment and you’ve got guests around all the time, so you have to be more respectful, work cleanly, and take extra care in everything you do.
“The team here have been great, showing me how to do each job properly and supporting me all the way. It’s definitely built my confidence and made me think about a future in maintenance, because every day you’re learning something new.”
Helen Wilcockson, head of animal care, hospitality and catering at West Nottinghamshire College, said:
“Hotel takeover is an exceptional opportunity for our students, providing them with this invaluable experience in a truly unique setting.
“While they gain strong foundations within college, being immersed in a live, high-quality hotel environment allows them to understand the pace, professionalism and attention to detail required in the industry.
“We are incredibly grateful to the team at Thoresby Hall for their continued support. Their commitment to nurturing future talent is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see our students grow in confidence, skill and ambition over the course of the week.”
Claire Fletcher, general manager at Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa, said: “Each year, the hotel takeover is a highlight for our team, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the students’ enthusiasm, professionalism and potential. They have embraced the challenge of working in a live, high-standard environment with real determination, consistently rising to the level required, often exceeding it.
“Initiatives like this are vital for the future of our industry, and we are proud to play a role in developing the next generation of hospitality talent. Our partnership with the West Nottinghamshire College continues to grow stronger, and we look forward to seeing many of its students progress into successful careers within hospitality.”
The annual takeover continues to highlight the strength of the partnership between education and industry, equipping students with the confidence, skills and experience needed to succeed in their future careers.