THE NEW new Café and Culinary College, Bluebell Wood has been officially opened.
A formal ribbon-cutting was undertaken by Saqib Bhatti, Conservative MP for Meriden and Solihull East at the the eatery by University College Birmingham (UCB) in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.
Next door to Bluebell Wood is the purpose-built culinary school, Chelmsley Starters, where students on the ‘introduction to hospitality’ courses are boosting their skills and confidence in a professional kitchen environment.
And it was the hard work of the students that stole the show; in early to prepare and cook the food, the compliments flowed thick and fast for menu delights that included: beef croquettes with mustard mayo, classic fish ‘n’ chips and a vegan cauliflower katsu, all topped off with a choice of soft drinks or the mocktails ‘virgin mojito’ and a seasonally inspired ‘cranberry ginger fizz with a sugar-rolled rosemary garnish’.
Mr Bhatti said: “North Solihull is full of talent, ambition, and creativity. What our young people need and deserve are real opportunities to succeed. The Bluebell Wood Culinary College will provide exactly that.
“I knew we had some great young people in the area that deserved an opportunity on their doorstep and UCB got my vision straight away. This project is a real game-changer as far as I am concerned. We have some great hospitality venues in this area that are crying out for talent and that’s what we’ve got, right here in Chelmsley Wood.”
Student Kaleb Pender is on the course for those aged 19 and over, he said: “Learning how to plate up the menu dishes as mini versions was new to me. I really enjoyed learning that how to do that.”
Joining Mr Bhatti, guests on the day included: Councillor Karen Grinsell- Solihull Council leader, Councillor Ian Courts – cabinet member for Economy, Business and Skills, Heather Delaney and Michael Wiseman – chair of the UCB Corporation.
Next door to Bluebell Wood is the purpose-built culinary school, Chelmsley Starters, where students on the ‘introduction to hospitality’ courses are boosting their skills and confidence in a professional kitchen environment.
Adam Pickett, interim head of department and chef lecturer for UCB, said: “The whole point of this project is to get these students into work, they are looking for jobs and want to work. So, if you’re employing or know someone who is, please come and have a conversation with me,” said .
“There are so many people I have to thank, but at the end of the day, it is all about the students, our Chelmsley Starters – they are doing an amazing job and making this place a very special one.”
