Truro and Penwith College's two training restaurants have been shortlisted for a national award of excellence.
Senara Restaurant at Penwith College in Penzance and Spires Restaurant at Truro College are among the three UK restaurants selected for the final round of the AA College Restaurant of the Year competition.
The students and staff of both institutions were filled with enthusiasm when the news was delivered during a day-long competition at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham.
Associate director for occupational studies at Truro and Penwith College David Izzard said: "This is not just a triumph of hospitality excellence, but a beacon of inspiration for our learners."
In the competition, promising future chefs and hospitality trainees from various backgrounds exhibited their unique abilities.
They displayed their culinary skills through cake decorating, exhibitions in a barista masterclass, and showcasing a myriad of original ideas to draw and maintain future staff in the hospitality industry before a judges’ panel composed of industry veterans.
Following the event, chief executive officer at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Lisa Jenkins, praised the presentations.
She said: "The 2024 College Restaurant of the Year final presentations were inspiring, and it is crucial that we, as an industry, listen to these young people (and their lecturers) to make sure we can continue to rely on them to keep hospitality moving."
Charlotte Horler, hotel manager at the Grand Hotel Birmingham, added: "Seeing the genuine passion for hospitality and the insight of the young people we have hot on our heels was inspiring and humbling."
Both training establishments have received accreditation from People 1st International, a qualification only granted to establishments that deliver superior full-time hospitality qualifications.
They also hold an AA College Rosette for their respective restaurant.
Previous awards include Senara being crowned College Restaurant of the Year 2022.
However, this is Spires' first appearance in the national final.
The big winner will be unveiled at the awards dinner at Grosvenor House London on September 23, to decide the ultimate title of the best college restaurant in the country.
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