Key Points
- “The Classroom” at Cardiff and Vale College received the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award 2026.
- The win was preceded by an awards night held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Monday, September 21.
- The award is sponsored by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services in collaboration with People 1st International.
- “The Classroom” was competing against other nominees, such as Milton Keynes College Group, Truro and Penwith College, and York College.
- Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, congratulated the college for giving students hands-on experience and developing their confidence.
- Chef Stephen Terry worked together with “The Classroom” team and students to create a three-course menu for a charitable event.
- In total, all participating colleges in the competition managed to raise £10,000 for Hospitality Action, and “The Classroom” made up £1,700 of this amount.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) September 23, 2026 – The Classroom, the landmark student-staffed restaurant located on the top floor of Cardiff and Vale College’s City Centre Campus, has been officially named the winner of the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award 2026. Selected from a highly competitive shortlist of institutions across the United Kingdom, the restaurant triumphed following a rigorous judging process that culminated in a gala ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Monday, 21 September.
What Makes The Classroom at Cardiff and Vale College Stand Out in Hospitality Education?
The AA College Restaurant of the Year Award is delivered by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services in partnership with People 1st International, aiming to celebrate excellence in college hospitality education, student talent, and industry readiness. As reported by FE News, As a People 1st accredited college restaurant and Centre of Excellence, The Classroom has maintained a strong track record, holding previous accolades including an AA College Rosette – Highly Commended.
As reported by FE News, Managing Director of AA Media Simon Numphud stated that:
“Cardiff and Vale College are thoroughly deserving winners. The Classroom is a fantastic example of what hospitality education can achieve when talented students, passionate lecturers and strong industry partnerships come together.”
Numphud further noted, as reported by FE News, that judges were particularly impressed by
“the real-world experience students receive and the opportunities created for young people from a wide range of backgrounds to build their confidence, develop outstanding skills and see hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career.”
Who Were the Other Finalists in the 2026 Competition?
The competition for the 2026 title was fierce, featuring some of the top further education training kitchens in the country. Alongside Cardiff and Vale College, the final shortlist included the Milton Keynes College Group, Truro and Penwith College, and York College. Each finalist demonstrated exceptional standards in culinary delivery, service, and commercial awareness.
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How Did Students Contribute to Charity During the Event?
As part of the competition and learning framework, students at The Classroom planned and executed a live charity function for paying guests. Working alongside guest chef Stephen Terry, learners prepared and served a special three-course menu. Additional messages of support were provided by prominent industry chefs Tom Kerridge and Andrew Pern.
Reflecting on the experience, guest chef Stephen Terry stated, as reported by FE News, regarding the collaboration with the learners. Furthermore, Hospitality Action’s Senior Fundraising Executive, Katie Lestner, praised the collaborative efforts of the institutions involved. As reported by FE News, Katie Lestner stated:
“We’re thrilled to have had the fantastic support of so many colleges across the country throughout the AA College Restaurant of the Year competition. Together, they have made an extraordinary contribution to Hospitality Action and the support we’re able to provide to people across our industry when they need us most.”
In total, participating colleges raised approximately £10,000 for Hospitality Action, with The Classroom’s individual event contributing £1,700 to the total sum.
Background of the Particular Development
The AA College Restaurant of the Year Award is designed to evaluate how effectively training restaurants bridge the gap between academic instruction and commercial reality. The Classroom, situated on the fifth floor of Cardiff and Vale College’s £45m City Centre Campus, has long operated as a dual-purpose space: an educational training ground for aspiring chefs and front-of-house staff, and a commercial European restaurant open to the general public. Over the years, the establishment has continuously aligned itself with industry standards, earning institutional recognitions such as an AA College Rosette and induction into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) College Community Programme. This latest national win builds upon years of iterative development focused on seasonal Welsh produce, scratch-cooking methodologies, and masterclasses led by high-profile visiting culinary figures.
This national recognition is anticipated to significantly elevate the profile of Cardiff and Vale College among prospective students, parents, and local employers across South Wales. For the student body and hospitality learners, holding a national title from AA Hotel & Hospitality Services enhances graduate employability, validating their practical training against top-tier industry benchmarks. Locally, the accolade is expected to drive increased public patronage and visibility for The Classroom, reinforcing consumer confidence in student-led dining and solidifying Cardiff’s reputation as an emerging hub for culinary excellence. Regionally, the success may also encourage other further education colleges in Wales to adopt intensive, industry-partnered training models to address acute skills gaps within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
