Thursday, 4 February. 2010

Last night, All4Hospitality visited Royal's Restaurant, the training restaurant of Mid-Cheshire College in Northwich.

 

It was clear right from the start that it was going to be an enjoyable night.  Signposts to the restaurant were really unnecessary as we just followed the delicious aromas wafting through the corridors!

 

Customer Service is obviously a high priority for the catering department, as we were welcomed by a team of very smart and friendly waiting-on staff and shown to our beautifully laid-out table, with spotless cutlery and sparkling glasses.  Little touches made all the difference - fresh bread, water with a slice of lemon and a delightfully cheerful waiter who came over immediately and introduced himself.

 

The evening was a "Great British Tour" and the food can only be described as superb ... cooked to perfection, we were treated to a culinary tour of the UK.  Starting with a choice of Cock-a-Leekie Soup or Cheese & English Asparagus Tart, which melted in the mouth, we moved on to Salmon with a Beetroot Chutney (particularly delicious!) or Chicken with a Cider, Sage & Apple Sauce, both served with roast potatoes and roasted vegetables.  To finish our tour, the desserts were Marlborough Ipswich Almond Pudding with fresh berries, the presentation of which was outstanding, and a luscious Irish Cream Mousse followed by coffee.

 

A good learning curve for the students appeared when our bill had been prepared omitting the wine - even when the correct bill was presented (with profuse apologies), it was amazing value for a first-rate dining experience.

 

Chatting with some of the students and their tutor afterwards, it's clear that they are passionate about what they are doing and their tutor is, justifiably, proud of them.  If this is the standard being produced from catering colleges, we have years and years of good food and fine dining to look forward to!