College fashions new experience for catering students

The Food Academy at Flannels was launched yesterday as a high profile training base for catering and hospitality students.

It is run by Leeds City College on the third floor of the luxury fashion store in Vicar Lane, Leeds.

Although serving customers in a fashionable store may seem a daunting prospect for students, running a commercial operation is nothing new for the college.

Leeds City students already work in another restaurant, a bakery and a butcher’s shop.

Dishes served at the Food Academy will include lighter alternatives to breakfast, an all day menu consisting of sharing platters, salads and sandwiches, an a lá carte lunch menu and “classic afternoon tea”.

Leeds City College principal and chief executive Peter Roberts said: “This new partnership with Flannels is an exciting opportunity for the college to showcase the talents of our hospitality students and to demonstrate that we are equipping students with the skills and experience required to meet the standards of a high quality public restaurant and the sector in general.”

The college is also launching The Art Gallery at Flannels to provide a place where people can enjoy the work of contemporary artists. It will be co-ordinated by the college’s creative arts faculty, with joint exhibitions showcasing the work of new emerging artists from both the college and the wider Leeds area, alongside that of established artists.

Flannels’ chief executive Neil Prosser said: “The Food Academy is at the heart of the Leeds store and the partnership and collaboration between ourselves and Leeds City College is something which will bring together the interesting elements of food and art, ensuring fine quality dining, surroundings and customer service – all of which are of the utmost importance to us.”