AA College Rosette success (again) for Edmunds restaurant at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds

The restaurant located on the main campus of West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds, has picked up a ‘MasterChef-style’ award three years running.

Staff and students from Edmunds restaurant have raised a glass after claiming an AA College Rosette – Highly Commended.

To receive this accolade, a mystery shopper from the AA rosette team anonymously comes along to the establishment and judges them on all aspects of the experience.

They look at the booking system, the service, cleanliness of the restaurant, lighting, cutlery, the menu, staff and the food before grading the restaurant.

This is the third year in a row that Edmunds has received the AA College Rosette – Highly Commended.

Andy McGowan, head of the Culinary Arts Academy at West Suffolk College, said: “I believe only around ten colleges in the country pick up this MasterChef-style award. We found out this week.

“The letter was waiting for me on my desk and it’s great news for everyone. It’s quite an accolade to have and it means we can enter more awards in the future and we get a nice certificate and plaque on the wall.

“All students get a copy of the certificate that they can use in their portfolios and it’s a big deal for us to get this. This gives us an access to a network [of other restaurants] and it helps make our students better prepared for industry and gives them a competitive edge.”

Edmunds restaurant is run by West Suffolk College students studying and aspiring towards a career in the hospitality industry and is open during term time.

Part of the criteria for achieving an AA College Rosette ‘highly commended’ is that the restaurant has an excellent grasp of commercial sense and can compete well within a true restaurant environment.

Restaurants at this level are also likely to have a clear brand and excellent links to industry where this is exploited to benefit the students greatly.

Student Eleanor Houlder, 17, from Bardwell, said: “I thought it was great. I served the lady who came in so it was nice to know I played a part in the success. I’m very proud.”

Fellow learner Lydia Komodromos, 16, from West Wratting, near Haverhill, said: “I was quite surprised. I was in the kitchen cooking the dessert during the AA visit.

“It makes me feel good to have played my part. This and the college give me more confidence. I can no say that I work for an award-winning restaurant on my CV.”

Some of the feedback stated that ‘the tables were well managed throughout’ and that ‘the team did a great job’.

The AA College Rosette Scheme was set up to promote high standards and new talent whilst recognising quality food and service.

West Suffolk College is part of Eastern Education Group.