Students from Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School recently travelled to London to sample first-hand the standards expected at a Michelin starred restaurant.
The students, who are all studying on the Level 3 Hospitality and Catering qualification at the Hotel School, were invited to the Galvin at Windows restaurant at the Hilton on Park Lane.
Galvin at Windows is located on the 28th floor and is one of London’s most celebrated and award winning restaurants. With breath-taking 360 degree views of London, the students were left speechless even before they sat down to dine.
The invite was a result of a partnership that is developing between the L20 Hotel School and the restaurant’s recognisable and inspirational General Manager, Fred Sirieix. Fred, is one of the most respected people in the hospitality industry and is a huge promoter of hospitality as a viable and rewarding career option for young people.
Over the course of the visit, the students were treated to a three course tasting menu cooked by Head Chef Joo Won. This was accompanied by wine tasting delivered by the restaurant’s sommelier along with a masterclass from Fred on delivering world class customer service.
To round off the visit, the students got to ask Fred questions about the industry and the restaurant and he also offered words of advice on what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the hospitality world.
Speaking after the question and answer session, Fred said:
“There is no secret to what gets you to the top of the industry. It’s a combination of hard work, commitment, attention to detail, passion, love, ambition and self-belief. The L20 Hotel School is providing young people with amazing opportunities to enter a really exciting industry that can take you all over the world. Whether that be front of house or in the kitchen. I am delighted that the students enjoyed their visit to Galvin at Windows and I would encourage them all to follow their dreams and to aim high.”
L20 Hotel School Curriculum Coordinator for Hospitality and Catering, Stephen Otty, said:
“We can’t thank Fred and the team at Galvin at Windows enough for making this visit happen for our students. Fred’s passion for the industry is infectious and I know the students got a lot from spending time in his company. At the L20 Hotel School we strive to raise the aspirations of our chefs and front of house students so they one day reach the pinnacle of the hospitality industry. This visit has shown the learners exactly what is expected at a Michelin starred restaurant and the attention to detail that is demanded. It has been a fantastic eye opener for them and I am certain that the standards in our own L20 Restaurant will be further improved as a result of this trip.”
L20 Hotel School student, Jess Finneran, said:
“The trip was such a great experience. Getting to taste the food and experience the views was sensational. Fred gave some really good advice and I am now even more determined to make it in this industry.”