Front of house team put on a great show

UCB’s front of house team has been congratulated for its tireless performance at this year’s La Parade des Chefs at the NEC’s Great Hospitality Show.

A 14-strong team served up gourmet, three-course meals in the show’s fine dining restaurant.

Seventeen-year-old Ben Palfi, who is studying Hospitality with Events Level 3 and hopes to progress onto UCB’s degree course, said working at the Great Hospitality Show was an invaluable opportunity. He added: “It’s a very different experience from simply going over to a table and asking people what they want to order. There’s lots of time to really chat to customers and find out what they prefer and advise on choice.”

Fellow student Jake Olney also got to experience front of house, serving in the restaurant and working for the press office escorting VIPs around the show. James Milward, UCB’s Level 4 apprentice, was able to build-up his contacts. He said: “This was my second time at La Parade and it’s always a great experience. It’s a really good chance to network with different chefs.”

Food service lecturer Andrew Bisconti said: “Our students performed fantastically well and were a real credit to UCB. They have put UCB firmly on the map in respect of the best of hospitality training. Our first year BTEC Hospitality students were also there as ‘show makers’ and they too are very worthy of recognition.”