FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In an era where culinary excellence in education can open a world of opportunities for students, New College Durham’s training restaurant, The Copper Pot, has been awarded the prestigious AA College Restaurant Award.
The AA Hotel Services has been recognising accommodation since 1908 and first introduced the star rating scheme in 1912, rewarding establishments for the quality and range of their services and facilities. The AA is the only pan-Britain assessing organisation and every year visits and stays in thousands of establishments.
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal at New College Durham said, " The AA’s Rosette award for cuisine has long been a key part of the hospitality industry with Rosettes first awarded in 1968 and the AA Restaurant Guide is now in its 30th Year, we are proud to have gained such recognition.
For many years, New College Durham has provided a platform for catering and hospitality students to gain real-life work experience through its training restaurant. In 2023 I was involved in making a bold decision to enhance the student experience by creating a new modern restaurant space with its own external entrance. We wanted to further bridge the gap between the education and professional worlds, ensuring students gain the skills needed for their future careers while delighting paying customers.”
Assessments, in line with the criteria for College Realistic Working Environments, are made by professional inspectors and are aimed to link industry aligned inspections with realistic working environments within educational establishments.
To gain the nationally recognised accreditation a restaurant must be found to be ‘serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients. These restaurants will be achieving standards that stand out in their local area and within the currently benchmarked colleges. Guests within these restaurants should be able to dine with confidence and a sense of anticipation for cuisine prepared and served with care and attention to detail.’
The inspector noted that they had received efficient and professional service from start to finish and that the restaurant not only has its own entrance (not common for education-based facilities) but looks new and contemporary. The facility layout is good for both informal and formal dining or events, has the kitchen pass open into the restaurant adding a theatrical aspect to the experience, and that many guests will appreciate this.
The Front of House team served in a professional manner and provided attentive service. Food was tasty, portions were generous and excellent value for money. Very good flavours and accuracy were shown, as well as clean presentation. The report concluded with, ‘The food is of a high standard, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Well done to all involved—keep up the good work!’
Alison concluded with: “What is also remarkable is that this award has been received less than 18 months since the refurbishment was completed. It is fantastic to see the college’s determination to deliver cutting-edge learning facilities for our students, and the dedication of the teaching staff, being recognised with such a prestigious award.”
The Copper Pot is open to the public, you can visit the restaurant for morning coffee, cream teas, dining in for lunch or dinner and Friday brunch.