Newcastle College's award-winning Chefs' Academy has retained its prestigious AA Highly Commended College Rosette for the seventh consecutive year following an unannounced inspection by an AA assessor.
The College's training restaurant was awarded the highest level of AA College Rosette accreditation after impressing inspectors with the quality of its food, service and hospitality during a secret diner visit, where students and staff were unaware they were being assessed.
As part of the inspection, the anonymous assessor experienced the full dining journey, from booking and arrival through to service and cuisine, before revealing their identity at the end of the meal and providing feedback to staff.
The inspector praised the warm welcome, professional service and high standard of cooking throughout the visit, describing the experience as "friendly" and highlighting the restaurant's "very good quality cooking", "excellent value" and panoramic views overlooking Newcastle.
Among the standout dishes were a Thai-style beef salad, described as "well-executed, fresh and enjoyable", olive oil poached Chalk Stream trout that showcased "sound technique and quality produce", and a peach and raspberry almond tart that was praised as "well-balanced, flavoursome and thoroughly enjoyable".
The latest success also supports Newcastle College's continued recognition as a Centre of Excellence for Hospitality, awarded through People 1st, following a comprehensive review of teaching, learning, student outcomes, employer engagement, facilities and curriculum delivery.
Phil Pringle, Head of Curriculum for Hospitality and Catering at Newcastle College, said:
"Retaining our AA Highly Commended College Rosette for the seventh consecutive year is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the consistency our students and staff demonstrate every day.
"What makes this recognition particularly special is that the inspection was completely unannounced. Our students had no idea they were being assessed, yet they delivered the same high standards of food, service and professionalism that every guest experiences when they visit the Chefs' Academy.
"The Chefs' Academy is one of the finest training restaurants in the North East. Achievements like this ensure our students are learning in an environment that reflects the very highest standards of the hospitality industry and leaves them fully prepared for successful careers."
The AA report also recognised the professionalism and enthusiasm of students throughout the service, highlighting their positive attitude, confident approach to guest interactions and attention to detail across the restaurant operation.
Open to members of the public throughout the academic year, the Chefs' Academy provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience by preparing and serving high-quality food in a professional restaurant environment under the guidance of industry-experienced tutors.