INSPECTORS have awarded prestigious AA rosettes to the restaurants staffed by hospitality students at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Trowbridge and Salisbury campuses.
The White Horse in Trowbridge and The Wessex in Salisbury are among just a handful of college restaurants in the region to be awarded the rosettes by the renowned nationwide scheme, which has been rating the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels since 1968.
Its inspectors ate a two-course lunch prepared in industry-standard kitchens by level 2 and 3 Professional Cookery students and served by Level 1 Culinary Skills students.
They described the White Horse dining room staff as “a personable team with plenty of smiles and a positive attitude” and the restaurant as having “an enjoyable dining environment with a real energy and buzz”. Their report added: “Quality and consistency of the food was very impressive, exceeding expectations. Superb value.”
In Salisbury the staff were described as “smiley, chatty and proactive, thus creating a very positive first impression”. The inspectors praised the lunch, particularly the French apple tart for dessert. “The tart was well made with the pastry case delivering the expected textural contrast,” they said. “All in all, a very good end to the meal.”
Students in both restaurants were praised for their menu knowledge and attentiveness. “It was good to see the advertising banners, reinforcing the college courses and commitment to locally sourced, freshly prepared modern cuisine,” said the Trowbridge report.
The college has also been awarded a Silver rating by national training consultant People 1st International for the quality of the education and support on offer at both restaurants.
Steve Lloyd, Deputy Head of Department, Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, was proud of the way students performed under the pressure of knowing the inspectors were among a busy roomful of diners.
“To win the AA rosettes for both restaurants is really pleasing,” he said. “I am thrilled for the students because they deserve it. They put the hard work in and now they have been rewarded for it, I am absolutely delighted.
“It highlights the fact we are a great place to come and eat but also an attractive place to learn because the rosettes, and the award from People 1st, show we are being recognised as an excellent route into the industry.
“We’ve introduced a lot of changes over the last couple of years, including a partnership with the Kaleidoscope Group, which owns the Bishopstrow Hotel, near Warminster. We’ve been sending students there for their work experience and that has been really inspirational for them.”
There are currently 35 hospitality students in both Trowbridge and in Salisbury. Many will go on to work in top class restaurant and hotel kitchens. Steve said the AA rosettes can only add to the hospitality department’s growing reputation.
He said: “We are passionate about teaching our students the right way to cook and giving them the knowledge and skills to make their way in the industry. These awards are a testament to the quality of both food and service that our students provide and we hope to see many more people in our restaurants as a result.”
The White Horse is open for lunch every Tuesday and The Wessex every Wednesday. Both serve a two-course lunch for £12 and three courses for £14.
Said Steve: “As the AA inspectors said, our lunches are fantastic value. We see a lot of groups and clubs visiting but we are always keen to welcome more.”
Book a table at The Wessex
Tel: 01722 344253
Email: wessexrestaurant@wiltshire.ac.uk and
Book a table at The White Horse
Tel: 01225 756254
Email: whitehorserestaurant@wiltshire.ac.uk.
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