Westminster Kingsway College (WestKing) has once again been awarded a Gold Accreditation for its exceptional school of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Situated within the college’s Victoria Centre, the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts comprises specialist facilities such as professional kitchens, a patisserie and a chocolate kitchen. It is also home to the highly regarded restaurant The Vincent Rooms, which consists of The Escoffier Room and The Brasserie.
The award comes from People 1st International, an industry-led skills expert with over 50 years of experience in skills development and technical vocational education and training. The organisation is a trusted partner to employers, industry bodies, skills organisations, donor funders, NGOs, investment banks and governments.
WestKing’s Gold Accreditation is the highest level of recognition awarded by People 1st International. It highlights the college’s progressive and sustainable commitment to matching student skills to employer needs. The award also recognises the college’s proactive approach to staff professional development and its effective and productive collaboration with various industry partners.
People 1st International also sponsors the AA College Restaurant of the Year competition which builds on the AA College Rosette Scheme and recognises college restaurants for producing quality food and high levels of service. WestKing’s restaurant The Escoffier Room, part of The Vincent Rooms, was also recently re-awarded the AA Highly Commended College Rosette.
Following a recommendation from Andy Doyle, Partnership Manager at P1st, WestKing’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts will continue to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Food & Beverage Service, Patisserie & Confectionery, Fish & Shellfish and Butchery & Game. These additional accolades recognise the college’s clear pathways for development in each area and its links to specific industry partners
Miranda Quantrill, Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, said: “We are, of course, delighted with the accreditation which reflects our commitment to excellence in culinary education and hospitality. We are extremely proud of our excellent lecturers and dedicated students who consistently impress us with their passion and innovative approaches. This all reflects greatly from our wealth of historical knowledge and expertise established over many years, with the support of stakeholders and alumni.”