College restaurant earns prestigious accreditation

HONOUR: Catering and Hospitality students at Hull College with tutors Phil Dixon and Jo Tills

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Students and staff at Hull College’s Bilocca training restaurant are celebrating after being awarded the AA College Rosette Accreditation - a nationally recognised mark of excellence for food and service.

The AA College Rosette Scheme is designed to reflect current industry standards within realistic training environments. It focuses on service, hospitality and kitchen management, with assessments carried out by qualified AA hotel and restaurant inspectors across both lunch and dinner services.

Inspectors from the judging panel described their visit to Bilocca as “a very enjoyable guest experience”, praising students for delivering “warm hospitality”, “structured and attentive service” and creating “a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere”.

Food was commended as “consistent from starter to dessert and excellent”, while the restaurant itself was celebrated as “truly something to be proud of”, with its “tasteful, contemporary décor” and striking mural paying homage to local hero Lillian Bilocca - “a wonderful touch” that reinforces the restaurant’s identity and pride of place.

Jo Tills, who manages Bilocca alongside teaching at the college, said: “We are thrilled to have received the AA College Rosette Accreditation, which is a true reflection of the skill, creativity and hard work of our students and staff.

“Bilocca is a fantastic training environment where learners are able to develop and showcase their talents, and this award proves just how high the standards are.”

Located in Hull city centre, Bilocca is named in honour of Headscarf Revolutionary Lillian, who campaigned for the safety of Hull’s fishing community in the 1960s.

Since opening last November, it has provided a professional and welcoming setting where the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals gain real-world experience in preparing and serving high-quality food under the guidance of experienced tutors.

Bilocca is open to the public for lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 2pm, as well as Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.

Advanced Culinary Arts student Charlie Chappell, 20, is one of the learners benefiting from the college’s hands-on approach to training and education.

‘INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE’: Advanced Culinary Arts student Charlie Chappell

After successfully completing his Level 2 qualification last year, Charlie progressed onto the Level 3 course, where he continues to combine his studies with valuable industry experience at Bilocca.

Charlie said: “Having the chance to gain industry experience in Bilocca has been incredible.

“Working both front of house and in the kitchen three times a week was such a fantastic and worthwhile part of my course. It provided me with the hands-on experience that really brings learning to life.

“Studying at Hull College is definitely preparing me for my future career in the catering industry, equipping me with the skills, knowledge and confidence I need to succeed.”

Alongside the AA Rosette achievement, the college’s Catering and Hospitality department has also been recognised with the People 1st Silver Hospitality Accreditation. This industry award provides a national ‘stamp of approval’ for the quality of the college’s training, recognising the strength of its curriculum and its success in developing students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers value.

Debra Gray, principal and CEO of Hull College, said: “These are two exceptional achievements for both Bilocca and our entire Catering and Hospitality team.

“The AA College Rosette Accreditation is a prestigious recognition of the superb quality of food and service delivered by our students and staff, while the People 1st Silver Accreditation highlights the outstanding strength of our curriculum and training.

“I am so proud of the commitment, passion and talent shown across the department - achievements like these truly demonstrate what Hull College is all about.

“It is incredibly rewarding and demonstrates the impact of everything we do to prepare students for their future careers.”