Launching the Chefs of the future at Stoke on Trent College

Stoke on Trent College has officially launched their newly refurbished training restaurant – The Hammersley, now open to partners and friends of the College community provides a fantastic culinary experience. The launch took place during the national Love Our Colleges week campaign which is led by the Association of Colleges and is a chance to showcase all the brilliant work which college’s do to support communities, boost businesses and support individuals.

Named after the famous dragon fountain situated directly opposite the campus in Hanley Park, The Hammersley is a top-class training restaurant.

This special event was attended by partners and supporters of the College; including representatives from Enjoy Staffordshire, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, We Are Staffordshire, We Love Stoke and Daily Focus to name a few.

The restaurant is staffed by supervised by students as part of their Hospitality and Catering course and operates full table service, ensuring that students studying on a range of hospitality and catering courses have real world experience of working in a full-service restaurant environment.

Lisa Capper MBE, Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College said: “We are thrilled to open this fantastic facility to our partners on a regular basis. The launch of The Hammersley is part of our ongoing commitment to provide our learners with inspirational learning environments, ensuring they leave us with the skills they need to be ready for their future careers.  Beyond exquisite food, The Hammersley is committed to fostering a sense of community and collaboration, working in partnership with a variety of employers including the Savoy Trust,  Edge Design and Project Management, Paragon Group, Doubletree by Hilton and Electrolux, ensuring our students have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.”

The Hammersley Restaurant will be hosting a series of regular culinary events, workshops, and guest chef appearances, allowing students to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry as well as being able to exchange ideas with fellow food enthusiasts.

Steven Heaton, Hospitality Subject Lead  said: “The Hammersley provides a fantastic platform for aspiring chefs and hospitality enthusiasts to showcase their skills and passion. The restaurant gives our learners a real-world environment to hone their talents, refine their techniques, and develop their leadership skills.  We provide a wonderful dining experience with a varied and exciting menu serving up to five courses, at very reasonable prices.”

The design of The Hammersley Restaurant pays tribute to Stoke-on-Trent’s rich pottery heritage. The thoughtfully designed interior seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with nods to the City’s heritage, creating an inviting space that’s perfect for every occasion.

The ever-evolving menu will feature a fusion of contemporary and traditional cuisines, all made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. From hearty comfort foods to elegant gourmet dishes, The Hammersley promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

For more information on upcoming events or to book a table visit our website or email hospitality@stokecoll.ac.uk