UK: Students from Cheshire College South and West will be running the Devonshire Fell Hotel for two days in February.
Students that are studying Level 2 Professional Cookery, Level 3 Professional Cookery, Level 3 Food and Beverage Service, Hospitality Supervision, will be responsible for managing the Devonshire Fell Hotel on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th February. The hotel belongs to The Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group.
Across the two days, the students’ work will be overseen by the hotel’s team members, who will be on hand to support across all aspects of hotel management. This includes the reception desk and check-in, preparing and serving food and beverage, room service and more.
John Holden, who leads front of house training in the college’s Academy restaurant, said: “Our learner’s study at the college and to work in a well-regarded hotel such as The Devonshire Fell really helps to equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will require for full time employment in the future.
“The hotel takeover will be an invaluable experience for the students and I’m sure that the guests will enjoy the novelty of having talented students working hard to provide them with a memorable stay. They have had some hands-on practise as our facilities include both a 2AA Rosette, and a AA Rosette standard Academy restaurant at our Crewe and Ellesmere Port campuses respectively, where the students learn to prepare exquisite culinary creations. We are proud to have been awarded AA College Restaurant of the Year for two years (2017-18 and 2019-20).”
Richard Palmer, managing director of The Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, added: “We are delighted to be inviting Cheshire College students for this hands-on learning experience. Our team are also looking forward to providing valuable on the job training and sharing of their knowledge and experience.
“I can relate very much to how this will benefit the students as I started with the company as a trainee myself in my late teens. In those days I worked behind the bar serving drinks. I hope that the hands on experience will empower the students to embrace all that the hospitality has to offer and maybe even become hooked just I did! I will certainly be there in February to offer my support.”
The hotel takeover supports the group’s Devonshire Hospitality Academy, which is now in its second year. The 18-month programme offers a combination of classroom study and online learning alongside hands-on roles at one of the group’s hotels and inns across Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
