Blackburn College unveil new look Scholars Restaurant and Food for Thought café

Blackburn College held a grand re-opening of its famous Scholars Restaurant and its Food for Thought café on 14 November.

It was in partnership with new ambassador, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef of Michelin star, Northcote, who joins Scholars head chef and chef lecturer, David Lyon to continue industry-leading training that will meet the needs of the hospitality industry.

The event was held to officially unveil the new, stunning restaurant interior and state-of-the-art training kitchen, which has undergone an £850,000 investment made possible through funding through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the college’s own commitment to local skills development.

Scholars is a true celebration of Lancashire’s rich culinary background and a showcase for emerging talent in the region.

Developing the students to be work ready is at the core of the college’s values, which is evident in the scope of this improved venture.

All dishes made and served at Scholars and the Food for Thought café – which is open to all students at the college – form part of student assessment.

Students leave the college with far more than a qualification; they have the experience of working in a real-world hospitality setting, giving them a foundation for a career that offers endless possibilities.

Overhauling the catering offering at Blackburn College has been put firmly in the hands of the students, with their passion and enhanced learning at the heart of the venture.

Guests at the opening event were treated to a range of delicious canapes, made and served by current catering and hospitality students, before hearing about the investment and future plans for Scholars from college CEO and principal, Dr Fazal Dad and new ambassador patron, Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

The recent investment has transformed the facilities with top of the range equipment.

New features include a bespoke dry storeroom and a new prep kitchen, enhancing the teaching space.

The training kitchen now boasts state-of-the-art induction cooking, contributing to a greener and safer environment while aligning with modern industry practices.

The restaurant itself has undergone a complete refit.

The new interior is modern and opulent, offering a variety of seating options – including plush booths and high tables – that can be adapted to fit different dining and event requirements.

While the enhanced front-of-house systems, including a barista machine and automated booking, reflect the demands of contemporary hospitality environments.

The Food for Thought café has been further revamped to complement the Scholars offering and redesigned in line with curriculum.

This programme is particularly innovative as it is run entirely by students.

From setting the menu, preparing food and servicing to other essential industry skills such as profiting and budgeting, students take complete ownership, whilst also ensuring minimal food waste and seasonality of ingredients.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen said: “I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of Blackburn College’s new kitchen and restaurant facilities.

"This investment is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop the essential skills, creativity, and confidence needed for careers in the modern hospitality industry.

"By providing real-world experiences, Blackburn College is equipping its students to thrive and helping to address the skills gap in this vital sector.”

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and CEO said: “It’s vital that our students leave Blackburn College not only with a qualification, but also equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required for them to add value to their future workplaces.

"This significant investment to our catering and hospitality department reinforces this and I’m delighted we can offer a learning environment that reflects an industry-standard kitchen and restaurant.”

Blackburn College student, James Ashworth, who has recently completed a work placement at 2 Michelin Star restaurant Moor Hall, along with placements at esteemed locations – Northcote (1 Michelin Star) and L’Enclume (3 Michelin Star) said: “The experience I have gained at Blackburn College has really set me on a great path, I’ve had the opportunity to complete placements at a number of Michelin Star restaurants in the region and the chance to work alongside incredible chefs such as Mark Birchall and Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

“My first head chef who really encouraged me to go into this industry began his career at Blackburn College and it’s inspiring to see what doors were opened to him.”