National honour for Blackburn College restaurant

Blackburn College's Scholars Training Restaurant has been named Accredited College Restaurant of the Year at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2026.

The accolade was presented at a ceremony in London attended by more than 700 chefs and hospitality industry figures, with Blackburn College recognised for its training and culinary standards.

It was a double success for the college, with Scholars ambassador Lisa Goodwin-Allen receiving the event's Special Award in recognition of her contribution to the culinary profession.

Blackburn College principal and chief executive Dr Fazal Dad was joined by senior chef lecturer David Lyon and Scholars restaurant manager Karen Lilley to collect the award.

Dr Dad said: "This is the highest level of industry honour our Scholars Training Restaurant could ever achieve. We are delighted.

"It is national recognition for the hard work, skill and dedication of the catering and hospitality team at the College and we are immensely proud to accept this incredible award.

"The fact that our ambassador Lisa Goodwin-Allen received a special award is a further endorsement of the College's strength and commitment towards nurturing the skills of future culinary stars."

David Lyon, senior chef lecturer, added: "We were thrilled to receive a nomination and then to go on to win the award is a dream come true.

"It is certainly the pinnacle of my career and recognition for all the team in the catering and hospitality department at Blackburn College.

"We are fortunate to have Lisa Goodwin-Allen as our ambassador and we're delighted to see her receive the special award."