An often unheard of hidden gem at the College’s Lansdowne site, Escoffier fine dining restaurant, has for the eighth year running, been Highly Commended in its annual rosette inspection by the AA (Automobile Association).
In the report produced at the time of the unannounced visit, the inspector highlighted that the service team had ‘impeccable presentation’, the restaurant gave ‘a true dining experience’ and the ‘skilled cooking and quality of food represents superb value for money.’
First introduced in 1956, the AA’s Rosette Award was the first UK-wide scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels. To achieve the award, Escoffier has demonstrated high standards of food preparation, understanding and skill, and attention to the selection of quality ingredients. The AA scheme along with People First introduced the opportunity for training restaurants to be awarded in 2015 to set a standard of measurement. Escoffier has consistently achieved the highest accolade possible since this was introduced.
Commenting on the award Tracy Butler, learning manager for catering at the College, said: “We’re thrilled to have been Highly Commended again by the AA. It’s recognition for all of the hard work we put in to ensuring we’re delivering the highest quality with the best ingredients.
“Escoffier is the College’s fine dining restaurant and is pivotal to the training and development of our Hospitality and Catering students. Students go onto work in some of the top restaurants locally, nationally and globally and being able to train in such a high quality restaurant helps them gain the vital skills needed to be successful in this industry.
“It would be fantastic to see more people visit the restaurant to sample our culinary dining experience, as this in turn helps the students learn.”
The Escoffier restaurant is open for lunch (Tuesday – Thursday at 12noon) and three evenings a week (Tuesday – Thursday at 7pm) serving gourmet and themed menus. Please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/escoffier to find out more information.
Visit www.thecollege.co.uk/hospitality to discover more about the Hospitality and Catering courses offered at the College.