The winner of the 10th annual College Restaurant of the Year Award, organised by AA and People 1st International, has been revealed.
The Classroom at Cardiff and Vale College won this year’s top prize, with students impressing a panel of leading industry figures after being put through their paces at a competition day held at The Belfry.
Cardiff and Vale College beat stiff competition from Milton Keynes College Group, Truro and Penwith College, and York College to scoop the top prize for the very first time, having come close on a number of occasions in recent years.
The College has become a hotbed of emerging talent, thanks to teaching staff with experience in some of the world’s finest kitchens, a network of high-profile visiting professionals — including Michelin-starred chef James Sommerin and MasterChef’s Larkin Cen — as well as its own in-house bakery.
Congratulating Cardiff and Vale on their award win, Managing Director of AA Media Simon Numphud said:
“Cardiff and Vale College are thoroughly deserving winners. The Classroom is a fantastic example of what hospitality education can achieve when talented students, passionate lecturers and strong industry partnerships come together.
“What particularly impressed us was the real-world experience students receive and the opportunities created for young people from a wide range of backgrounds to build their confidence, develop outstanding skills and see hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career.
“Their commitment extends well beyond the restaurant, with students working alongside leading chefs, competing on national and international stages and building valuable connections with employers. Cardiff and Vale are not only developing the next generation of hospitality professionals, they are helping to strengthen the future of the industry in Wales. It is a tremendous achievement and one they should be incredibly proud of.”
Located on the top floor of Cardiff and Vale College’s landmark City Centre Campus, The Classroom is open to the public, with seasonal menus showcasing high-quality ingredients and a focus on regional Welsh produce.
Students prepare dishes from scratch in a professional restaurant environment, gaining valuable experience while serving the city’s diners and earning rave reviews.
As part of this year’s competition, students were challenged to plan, market and deliver a charity event in support of Hospitality Action, recognising the vital role the charity plays in supporting people working across the hospitality industry.
The Classroom’s efforts raised nearly £2,000 for the charity, with students working alongside renowned chef and protégé of Marco Pierre White, Stephen Terry, to create and deliver a three-course menu.
Chef Stephen Terry said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with the learners on this, which was all about giving something back and raising money for a charity that’s obviously very close to my heart – Hospitality Action do incredible work.
“It was a pleasure and something I’d like to repeat – long may my association with the College continue.”
Hospitality Action's, Katie Lestner, said:
“We’re thrilled to have had the fantastic support of so many colleges across the country throughout the AA College Restaurant of the Year competition.
“Together, they have made an extraordinary contribution to Hospitality Action and the support we’re able to provide to people across our industry when they need us most. We’re incredibly grateful to every college that has taken part and helped make this such a success.”
The annual competition celebrates the best of hospitality education across the UK, challenging students to demonstrate their culinary, service and commercial skills while gaining valuable experience of working in a professional environment.
The competition, organised by the AA and People 1st International, brings together leading colleges from across the country and gives students the opportunity to put their training into practice, work with industry professionals and showcase the skills they have developed during their studies.
Competition judge Oonagh Taylor, People 1st international, said:
“The standard of this year’s competition demonstrated the breadth of talent being developed across hospitality education. The students showed an impressive combination of creativity, professionalism and commercial awareness, while demonstrating the teamwork and resilience that are so important to a successful career in the industry.
“What stood out was the way colleges embraced the challenge and gave their students the opportunity to put their skills into practice in a real-world setting. The Classroom demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, from the quality of its food and service through to the impact of its fundraising for Hospitality Action.
“Congratulations to Cardiff and Vale College and everyone involved in this year’s competition. Their achievement is a fantastic example of the contribution that colleges are making to the future of hospitality.”
The college’s industry recognition was further underlined by this year’s judging panel, which included Jacques Hobson, Director of Food & Beverage at The Belfry. Hobson, who was among the judges, said:
“It has been a privilege to be involved as a judge for the first time this year. Meeting and assessing such enthusiastic and talented individuals has reinforced just how much potential exists within the next generation of hospitality professionals.
“The Scheme creates a valuable bridge between employers like The Belfry and aspiring talent, helping young people gain confidence, experience and industry connections, while giving businesses the opportunity to nurture the future leaders of hospitality.”
Reacting to the win, Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said:
“Congratulations to The Classroom team and learners – winning College Restaurant of the year is a real accolade. This prestigious award is a testament to your hard work, dedication and outstanding professionalism.”