Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, celebrated the re-opening of the newly refurbished Manor Restaurant in Corby on Tuesday 10 June. The event unveiled a refreshed and modern space where Hospitality and Catering students can hone their skills in a real-world setting by serving local businesses and the general public.
The re-opening event was attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Kettering, and was officially hosted by Yiannis Koursis OBE, Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group. Staff, students and community leaders joined together for the occasion, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning and community engagement.
Guests were welcomed with a varied selection of canapés, expertly prepared and served by the college’s Hospitality and Catering students. The event also offered visitors an exclusive chance to explore the transformed restaurant space which will be open to the public and available for private hire.
Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group, remarked,
“This refurbishment represents a significant investment in the future of our students and the local community. The Manor Restaurant is not just a space to eat, it’s a space to grow, learn, and connect.”
The event highlighted Tresham College’s continued commitment to vocational excellence, student experience and dedication to providing students with opportunities that prepare them for success in the hospitality industry.
Oscar Plomer, Level 2 Catering Student, said,
“I love the new look of the Manor Restaurant, the space looks great. I enjoy the rush of live service and being in the moment. Serving real people pushes you to care more about your work because you want to make an impression as a chef. The Manor has helped me become more independent in my work life. I’ve created two award-winning canapés: a gold medal-winning beef wellington canapé and a silver medal-winning fish and chips canapé. I’m really happy with both.”
Fellow Hospitality & Catering student, Flavia Skinner, added,
“The Manor Restaurant re-opening has completely transformed the experience from something created for students, into a genuine restaurant setting that benefits both guests and those of us working here. This professional environment has been invaluable for me as a mature student changing careers. I wanted to go beyond just being ‘the feeder of the house’ to understanding how a professional kitchen operates, how meals come together and what pairs well with what. That’s knowledge I can apply to my true passion for baking, which I’m showcasing tonight with my award-winning macarons.”
The Manor Restaurant will be taking larger bookings and private hires again in September, due to the start of the academic year. A new opening schedule and booking system is under development for circulation in the coming months.
In the meantime, to enquire about how your business could hire the restaurant for corporate events or lunches, please contact arobinson@bedford.ac.uk
