Blackburn College unveil new look Scholars Restaurant and café

By Rob Kelly

21 Nov 2024

Opening of the Scholars Restaurant

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.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Post Office future secured as council explores new options Abington Street Post Office

Post Office future secured as council explores new options

17 Sep 2025

2

Airframe Designs supports new defence strategy with pledge to nurture talent Jerrod Hartley

Airframe Designs supports new defence strategy with pledge to nurture talent

17 Sep 2025

3

Fox Group makes second acquisition since Stellex Capital backing Roger Thistlethwaite, managing director NMS Civil Engineering Limited. Paul Fox, CEO Fox Group. John Flood, Executive Director Fox Group

Fox Group makes second acquisition since Stellex Capital backing

17 Sep 2025

4

Villa at Wrea Green bought for £3.6m by Haythornthwaite family The Villa Wrea Green courtesy of The Villa Wrea Green

Villa at Wrea Green bought for £3.6m by Haythornthwaite family

16 Sep 2025

5

Fourth Lancashire Bodycare store to shut Nick Holloway of administrators Interpath

Fourth Lancashire Bodycare store to shut

16 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Ladies Lunch
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
18 Sep 2025 - 18 Sep 2025

Ladies Lunch

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

12:00 - 16:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Metrics That Matter – Sept 25
Metris 25.09.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Metrics That Matter – Sept 25

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day
MTD drop in session.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day, Blackburn, BB1 5QB

10:00 - 16:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin