Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

College hoping to attract more budding chefs after refurbishment

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 16:50, Monday March 14th, 2022.
Last updated: 16:50, Monday March 14th, 2022

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Coleg y Cymoedd students preparing food in their new kitchen
Coleg y Cymoedd students preparing food in their new kitchen

When restaurants were forced to close for large periods of time during the coronavirus lockdowns, many chefs left the industry.

But the catering department at Ystrad Mynach’s Coleg y Cymoedd campus are hoping to fill the gap they left by training more budding young chefs.

As part of a £3.6m refurbishment of the college’s catering and sports block, three industry-standard kitchens have been fitted, while the college’s student-run restaurant, Scholars, has also had a facelift.

Catering lecturer Neil Emery said: “The industry has been screaming out for chefs. Since Covid, there’s been a massive void that needs to be filled – and we’re the ones producing them.”

The campus currently has around 60 catering students, but Mr Emery is hopeful the refurb will allow them to take on a larger number of students going forward.

It is hoped the refurb will allow the college to offer more catering courses too.

Food prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd students at their Scholars restaurant
Food prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd students at their Scholars restaurant
Food prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd students at their Scholars restaurant
Food prepared by Coleg y Cymoedd students at their Scholars restaurant in Ystrad Mynach

Catering student Josh Hutton, 19, said the refurb will give him and fellow students a chance to use more equipment and boost their experience as they head into the industry – with catering technician Sarah Deacon stressing the importance of “moving with the times” and embracing new technology.

Mr Emery added: “Everything we cook is fresh. We could send the students out into five star restaurants with what they’re learning here.

“We also encourage our chefs to go out and speak to the customers for feedback.”

The new kitchen has an open window for the customers to see into – something Mr Emery says gives it a more professional feel and helps the students learn how to work under pressure.

There’s also an emphasis on sourcing local produce – with herbs grown onsite by students with special educational needs.


Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Tracey Evans, Head of School for the Catering and Hair and Beauty departments, said the college wants to do more in the community.

Ms Evans said: “We’re providing a wide range of experience for future employment. The students are learning and having fun at the same time – you can see the love for what they’re doing.”

Lecturer Ben Barnett, who is a former student at the college, said: “Seeing them grow and learn to work independently is special to me. “We try to have fun with it. This industry is demanding – it’s physically tough. We don’t want the learners leaving drained, we want them to feel enthused and go on to amazing things.

“If cooking is your passion, it’s the most rewarding job in the world.”

The college held a taster day on March 3 to celebrate the refurbishment and to showcase the work produced by the students.

Among the attendees were former Coleg y Cymoedd students Michael Coogan and Andrew Minto – the winners of Bake Off: The Professionals in 2021 – as well as Caerphilly Town Mayor Mike Prew.

The college has also been nominated in the Cookery School of the Year category at the 2022 Food Awards Wales.

Course tutor Stuart Davies said: “We’re excited about the future. Our staff have industry experience and offer very industry-focused training.

“You can see how proud the learners are of their work. After two years of Covid, they’re now getting the opportunity to boost their social skills and build their confidence again.

“We’re putting them out of their comfort zone but within a safe environment.”

An official reopening of the Scholars restaurant is set to be held at a later date.

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Coleg y Cymoedd
Coleg y Cymoedd
Coleg y Cymoedd
Coleg y Cymoedd

Latest News

  • The Senghenydd National Mining Memorial
    Service to be held to mark 112th anniversary of Senghenydd Mining DisasterThursday, October 9, 2025
  • Praise for home adaptation service which helped 1,000 patients leave hospital earlierThursday, October 9, 2025
  • Labour MS Lee Waters
    Senedd ‘fobbed off’ by ministers on homelessness crisisThursday, October 9, 2025
  • tractor stock image
    Farming jobs fears spark fiery Senedd debateThursday, October 9, 2025
  • A pro-Palestine demonstration outside Newport City Council offices on September 23
    Gwent pension fund to review investments amid Gaza conflict concernsThursday, October 9, 2025
  • A social distancing warning sign near Caerphilly Castle
    ‘A disservice to families’: Senedd closes ‘sad chapter’ as Covid scrutiny is silencedThursday, October 9, 2025

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 2, 2025
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Hanbury Road, BargoedThursday, September 25, 2025
  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Pontygwindy Industrial EstateThursday, September 18, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, September 18, 2025
© 2009-2024 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.