Hospitality training centre launches in Hackney

A new hospitality and catering centre has opened in Hackney, East London, which will give students the opportunity to work in a restaurant while studying for a qualification.

The London Development Agency (LDA) and Hackney Community College officially opened the centre yesterday (31 March) with a visit by LDA Director of Olympic Opportunity and celebrity chef Paul Rankin.

The London City Hospitality Centre at Hackney Community College houses 20 stainless steel work stations modelled on the environment of a modern commercial kitchen.

Students can study NVQ based courses in professional cookery, customer service, bar, food and drink, hospitality and leadership and management to ensure they have the skills to meet the demands of the 2012 Games and beyond. 

Downstairs, the 'Open Kitchen Bar & Restaurant' will be run by students. This offers them an opportunity to put their new skills to immediate use and gain valuable experience to help them into further employment.

Rosie Boycott, chair of London Food, said: "Helping people to gain skills for a career working with good quality food is not only a boost for the economy but also great for encouraging us to eat good quality, healthy food. This new centre will help us capitalise on the opportunities coming from the 2012 Games by promoting London to the world on a plate."

Geoff Newton, director for Olympic Opportunities at the London Development Agency, continued: "Hospitality and catering is a growth industry that can provide opportunities during the economic downturn. The London City Hospitality Centre will give students an important edge by gaining qualifications and valuable restaurant experience at the same time. The centre is on the doorstep to the 2012 Games and we want to ensure that there is a lasting Olympic legacy by helping people to gain the right skills now."

Chef Paul Rankin, who is spending the day with students and sharing his expertise with them, added: "The London City Hospitality Centre has got everything for the hospitality industry to get the trained and qualified staff it so urgently needs to thrive."
While the restaurant has already opened its doors to the public for the first time this month, the upstairs training centre has been operating since March last year. Since then, students have gained 250 qualifications. This number is set to increase to 600 in time for the 2012 Games.

Words: Maria Bracken

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