Last Wednesday, local employers from the Catering and Hospitality industry came to Eastleigh College to dine at the new East Avenue restaurant.

The guests, including representatives from Holiday Inn, Chewton Glenn Hotel, Hotel Du Vin and Cunard, were attended to by our very own Catering students who were busy preparing, cooking and serving a spectacular three-course meal.

Many local businesses have worked closely with Eastleigh College over the years, providing work experience placements and job opportunities for our students. For example, our students are working with the Holiday Inn in Eastleigh to take over the entire hotel for 26 hours in January next year.  

Robert Connway, Catering Operations Manager at Botley Park Hotel, said “The food was lovely, the lamb in particular was delicious. The restaurant is nicer than some places I’ve eaten at, which you don’t expect from a College!”

Claire Parrett from Chewton Glen Hotel said “The food was delicious, there is no way you could ever tell it was cooked by students. The service staff were very good and you could see their potential more and more as service went on and the nerves disappeared! We are always happy to offer employment opportunities to students who are completing their students and looking for their first steps into industry.”

At the end of the meal, the chefs joined the front-of-house students in the restaurant and received a round of applause from the guests!

To find out more information about East Avenue, including opening times and sample menus, please click here. To book a table, email restaurant@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1053.