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The Corporation

Posted: 24/03/17

AA rosette for college restaurant

West Nottinghamshire College’s Refined fine dining restaurant is celebrating a top industry award after being reviewed this month.

Level 3 Hospitality Supervision student Liam Ironmonger (centre) proudly holds the AA Rosette certificate, surrounded by staff and students of Refined

Already ranking amongst the top five restaurants in Mansfield on Trip Advisor, it now proudly boasts an AA College Restaurant rosette, which is designed to reflect current industry trends within realistic working environments.

The AA’s rosette award for cuisine has been a key part of the hospitality industry for many years. The rosette awarded to Refined reflects food being prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients. It acknowledges that it’s achieving standards that stand out in the local area and within the currently benchmarked colleges.

As part of the report drawn up by the AA inspector positive feedback included:

  • All members of the team were seen to be interacting with the guests they had been designated to and learners were pleasant with a friendly approach;
  • Order process was well-timed and allowed guests to have extra time to look at the menu;
  • All tables were neatly and accurately laid, with cutlery well-polished and sparkling glassware;
  • Ambience was good with appropriate background music, suitable temperature, sufficient lighting and fresh flowers to enhance the tables;
  • Positive encouragement and interaction noted between lecturer and team with learners ready and waiting at the host station.

The report also praised the restaurant’s co-ordinated look, its branding and menu presentation as well as the features in the room itself, including the glass wall leading to the stylish outside dining area.

The inspector also positively appraised the three-course meal which was vegetable spring rolls, noodles and sweet chilli dip for starters, chicken coq-au-vin with leeks and potatoes for the main course followed by Bakewell tart and ice cream for desert.

Curriculum manager for the lifestyle academy, Helen Wilcockson, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation like the AA.

“I’m particularly proud of the students and staff as it’s all their hard work which has helped Refined to reach the fantastic standards we see today. We always aim to keep our food and service to the highest quality and strive to give our customers great variety.”

Refined fine dining restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Thursday, Friday and Sunday lunchtimes. Tables can be booked by calling 01623 413629.

On Thursday 6 April there is a special event called Dining in The Dark where guests are blindfolded and asked to experience the meal with their other senses.