Students Takeover The Fell Hotel!

On 19 to 20 January a group of College students including representatives from Travel & Tourism, The Aviation Academy, and Catering took over The Fell Hotel at Burnsall!

This programme, now in its second year, gives vital support to the next generation of hospitality professionals. College students were responsible for the running of the whole property, whilst being shadowed by experienced hotel team members gaining vital practical knowledge of running a busy, fully functioning hotel to complement their classroom-based training.

Starting with afternoon tea, College students were then responsible for a full three-course dinner for 32 covers, breakfast and a second afternoon tea.

Prior to the event, College lessons involved rigorous training on all aspects of managing a busy, boutique hotel, from housekeeping to front of house, from waitressing to laying the perfect dining table!

Students even had the opportunity to be team leaders on the day, dividing the roles and responsibilities between their fellow students. Team leader Emily said “We’ve done everything from hoovering to setting tables. We’re going to be able to experience a bit of everything from being hostesses to taking orders and waitressing, basically just helping people however they need it. I’ve really been looking forward to coming.”

Level 2 Cabin Crew student Keira has returned to the takeover experience for her second year and added, “I really enjoyed the takeover last year when I was a Travel & Tourism student. I’m now studying to become Cabin Crew and I’m doing my work experience here at The Fell”.

In a slight change to last year’s dining experience, guests were given the option of choosing their meal on the night meaning students were tasked with taking orders, passing the requests to the kitchen and delivering the delicious food – ably cooked by Craven College catering students – to the guests. The choices this year included: –

Starters
Paprika & Lime Prawns with Sourdough Flatbread & Charred Lime
Spiced Beef Spring Rolls Served with a Mango Chutney
Dressed Baby Beetroot with Whipped Feta and Verjus Dressing

Mains
Corn Fed Chicken Breast with Caesar Gem Lettuce, Truffle and Parmesan Chips
Confit Duck with Mash, Kale, Plum and Gravy
Mushroom & Leek Macaroni Cheese with Cheesy Herb Crumb and Garlic Bread

Desserts
Basque Cheesecake with Toasted Nuts and Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Yorkshire Parking with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream
3 Cheese Selection with Chutney

Martin Titley, Lecturer in Aviation & Travel said, “This is a great opportunity for out of syllabus training. It encourages students to get out of their comfort zone and puts them directly into real-life situations. Many students won’t get the chance to work in a hotel of this calibre, so this is such a special opportunity. For me, experiences like this are really important to help students develop and teach those vital skills.”

Sarah Burgess, Lecturer in Travel, Tourism and Aviation added, “Another successful takeover of The Fell Hotel in Burnsall. Our level 2 students have been amazing, offering great customer service to a full hotel of guests. Feedback has been extremely positive and supportive; we would like to thank The Devonshire group for allowing us to undertake this opportunity. Reservations for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea are available for next week if you wish to join us!”

Will Jacques, Lecturer in Catering & Hospitality said, “This experience was invaluable to the students, many of whom have never had a job in the industry. To quote a couple of students that were on foundation learning two years ago, ‘that was amazing, we are really looking forward to next one. If you need us tomorrow just give us a ring’. The staff at the hotel and I took a step back for most of the evening and it was great to see the students flourish”.

Nikki Chestnutt Head of Department for Professional and Leisure Industries commented, “The Fell relationship is so important for the students personal and professional development. Some students have never worked before, and this is their first experience of interaction with customers. It builds on initial transferable skills taught in the classroom and brings them to life. We see students’ confidence grow and they are so proud to get positive comments from guests as well as areas to develop for next time.”

We had some amazing feedback from our guests, and we’d like to thank them all not only for attending this event, but for taking the time to give their thoughts on their experiences!

“They’re all new to this world but all willing to learn and without exception friendly and polite.”

“Students were polite, helpful, courteous and respectful.”

“This is a really good partnership, and it was good to be able to help and encourage the students, and to hear about their career aspirations.”

“Thank you for a lovely experience!”

“Overall, the experience was great, we enjoyed and will be back next year!”

“The food was outstanding and the chefs are to be congratulated on the quality and taste.”

“The overall experience was excellent. This was our second takeover and we’re looking forward to the next one.”

“Well done to everyone – an excellent experience. Five stars!! We’ll be back!”

“Excellent. All staff were very polite, well turned out and able to find out answers to any questions we had. They served us with good humour and had an air of professionalism.”

Craven College students are taking part in another takeover at The Fell Hotel on 02 and 03 February. The hotel will be open for paying guests to come and join us at the venue to experience either afternoon tea or dinner. Bookings should be made directly with The Devonshire Fell on 01756 718111.