North Hertfordshire College student-run restaurant grand reopening

On October 5th, North Hertfordshire College hosted the grand reopening of its student-run restaurant and training kitchen, The Meadows, at the Hitchin Campus following an extensive redesign. The renovations have been funded by an award of £75,000 from the Savoy Educational Trust and allow students across NHC’s Hospitality and Catering programmes to access industry-standard facilities from the start of their study programmes.

The reopening event saw representatives from across the hospitality sector join staff, students, and local councillors for a celebration of the investment in local talent and young people’s development. Amongst those who attended the event were chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE (owner of Café Spice Namaste and co-founder of Zest Quest Asia), Jason Morrison (Managing Director of Riso Gallo), and Paul Gayler MBE (cookery author and ex-chef).

As well as showcasing the new facilities in the restaurant, which previously operated under the name Hart Kitchens, the launch provided an opportunity for students to gain practical experience of preparing and serving a seasonal tasting menu in a formal reception setting. Core themes at the heart of the menu included sustainability and culinary excellence, reflecting the values the restaurant and department will incorporate in future teaching sessions and dining experiences.

Anthony Gascoigne, Catering tutor and Course Team Leader at North Hertfordshire College, said:

“The restaurant relaunch menu is a testament to the future skills that the students will develop throughout the year. It places a strong emphasis on seasonality by incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Additionally, the menu showcases sustainability through creative ingredient use, demonstrating an awareness of environmental responsibility. This menu not only tantalizes the taste buds, but also leaves a positive impact on both diners and the planet.”

The menu and event were received positively by attendees.

Paul Gayler MBE, cookery author and ex-chef, said:

“The whole team across the board from kitchen to front facing did a fantastic job, a truly fitting start for the new Meadows restaurant. Congratulations to the whole team, they all did the event proud!”

Richard Russum, Director of Russums Catering, Clothing & Equipment, said:

“Thank you to all the team and students for your hospitality, it was a very enjoyable evening and extremely good first service of the year! I was pleased to see how smart the new restaurant is, it’s quite a change and a great representation of the high standards you all attain.”

Following the culmination of the refurbishment project and the launch event, the student-run restaurant will now be able to run further themed evenings and exclusive dining experiences for our local community.

Further benefits will also be provided to the local area through the investment in enhanced skills development opportunities, with many of North Hertfordshire College’s Hospitality and Catering students entering employment with hospitality providers in the Hertfordshire region following their studies.

Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College, said:

“We are delighted to have received this funding for the refurbishment of the student-run restaurant. The Catering and Hospitality team work so hard to develop the skills, understanding, and aspirations of our students which has continually put them at the forefront of training and competitions within the local and national arena. With this additional funding, we are able to build on their skills and talents within these fantastic new facilities and we cannot wait to see the breadth of opportunities this provides for our future catering and hospitality superstars.”

Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said:

“The main aim of the Savoy Educational Trust is the advancement and development of education and learning within the hospitality industry. The practical side of learning from an early age is a fundamental contributor to the success of future hospitality professionals, so being able to support North Hertfordshire College within this training kitchen project is something we and the Board of Trustees felt would be hugely beneficial.”