A restaurant that trains its staff on the job is the first in the county to be awarded a special AA rosette. 

Graduates restaurant, at Lakes College, Lillyhall, has been presented with the AA College Rosette as a result of exceptional hospitality. 

The restaurant is run by the catering team, with students taking responsibility for running the kitchen and front of house service with supervision from tutors.

The team were given the award for their well-structured and managed service, and can now count themselves among some of the very best culinary teams in the country.

The restaurant also recently received a People First accreditation for recognition of its good practice.

Reviewers from the AA were presented three courses to judge, taking into account the quality of both the food and service provided by the students.

Chris Nattress, college principal, said: "This accolade is a fantastic achievement for our catering team and the college as a whole.

"Graduates restaurant is a popular venue that prides itself on quality so the AA Rosette is well deserved.

"The staff and students work incredibly hard to ensure guests receive the best experience possible so it’s wonderful to see this has been recognised."

People can sample the food on offer at Graduates on Wednesday lunchtimes and Thursday evenings. 

For more information or to book, call 01946 839300.