If you’re looking to eat out but fancy a meal with a difference, then book a table at one of the City of Bristol College’s restaurants, where all dishes are prepared and served by students working towards their catering qualifications…
I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch at the Academy Brasserie in November – the restaurant located within the college’s South Bristol Skills Academy in Hengrove. Students who are working towards their catering qualifications prepare, cook and serve meals to students, staff and members of the public at lunchtimes between Monday and Friday: meals that will cost you under £10 for three fantastic courses.
In addition, the Hengrove site hosts themed dining nights on Thursday evenings. Upcoming themes include a “Country night” on March 3rd, “All that jazz” on March 10th and “Taste of Ireland” on March 17th…all for just £15.95 per head.For details of how to book, and information on other upcoming themed nights, click here.
If Hengrove is too far for you to travel…then check out the three other City of Bristol College sites that offer dining facilities to members of the public…
Soundwell Centre (BS16) – Aromas Restaurant
Offers lunches from Monday to Friday, including sandwiches (£2.25), soups (£1.95), main courses (from £3) and desserts (£1.95).
This centre also offers gourmet and themed dining evenings on a Thursday, but they are more sporadic than in the Hengrove centre – check the site for details.
Ashley Down Centre (BS7) – Cabot Restaurant
Two course lunch for £5.50 or a three course lunch for £6.95 from Monday to Friday.
In the evenings, prices start from £19.95 for three courses and coffee. Themed and gourmet dining nights take place on a Wednesday – 6.30pm arrival for a 7pm start. Upcoming themes in 2011 include seafood, back to nature, and Caribbean.
College Green Centre (BS1) – City Restaurant
Two course lunch for £5.95 or three course lunch for £7.50. Thursdays feature a gourmet three course lunch for £9.95, cooked by NVQ Level Three students.
Gourmet dinner evenings are on a Thursday, with the chance to enjoy five courses for £19.95, or four courses including wine for £24.95. Again, evening menus have a weekly theme, with upcoming evenings featuring the cuisine of countries such as Switzerland, Ireland and Greece.
I’d be interested to know if anyone’s enjoyed an evening meal at the City of Bristol College so far…and if so, what they thought!
Yes, we've enjoyed several meals at City of Bristol College restaurants – mainly at College Green, but also at Ashley Down. Good food, great value, but, best of all the chance to support dedicated young people and help advance their careers. Not tried South Bristol yet, but will do so. I believe the Head Tutor there is Fredrick Maindron, who performed the same role at College Green for a while and was previously maitre d' at the wonderful Bells Diner, so he has some top experience – and a nice guy, too.