In a bid to support the next generation of hospitality professionals, and to raise the profile of careers within the hospitality industry, the Wirral students were responsible for the running of the whole property, including the hotel’s reception and guest check in, the preparation of freshly cooked seasonal dishes, the serving of food and beverages, room service and not forgetting the bar, too.
The students gained invaluable practical experience of working in and managing a busy hotel, to complement their classroom-based knowledge and college-based skills training.
Their work was overseen by the hotel’s experienced team members, who were on hand to ensure the experience was valuable and enjoyable for students and guests alike.
Richard Palmer, Managing Director of Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants said of the project: “We are proud to partner with local colleges to offer students such a unique hands-on learning experience that complements the work we do through our own Devonshire Hospitality Academy.
“The whole team at the Devonshire Fell Hotel have really enjoyed providing valuable on the job training and sharing their knowledge and experience. The students did an incredible job and the feedback we received from our guests was a real testament to all their hard work, and on a personal level, it was a genuine pleasure to work alongside some of the rising hospitality stars of the future.
“I hope that the experience will empower the students to embrace all that a career in the hospitality industry has to offer.”
Gill Banks, Principal & CEO at Wirral Met College, added: “We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to the Devonshire Fell Hotel for providing our students with this invaluable opportunity to gain practical skills and experience within a such a well-regarded establishment. This initiative exemplifies Wirral Met College’s commitment to preparing out students for success in their chosen industry and we are very grateful to businesses like the Devonshire Fell who help to make this possible.”
Guests participated in the experience for a discounted price of just £94.50 per person including accommodation, à la carte dinner and breakfast. Prior to the experience, chef students had participated in a ‘Master Chef’ style cook off, to determine the three course menus on offer.
The project was overseen and judged by representatives from the Devonshire Fell Hotel, Resident Manager Nikki Haddow and Head Chef Ollie Edwards, with winning dishes including a charred red pepper and harissa soup, pan fried seabass and Black Forest gateau.
The ‘Hotel Takeover’ complements the work of the ‘Devonshire Hospitality Academy’, launched by the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group in 2021, a professional training academy which supports new apprentices as they develop their careers within hospitality. Participants enjoy classroom study and online learning alongside their new roles at one of the Group’s several hotels and inns across Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
