The University of West London

Hospitality students success at Savoy Hotel charity event

Monday 21 January 2013

Students from the University of West London's award-winning London School of Hospitality and Tourism took over the Savoy Hotel to cook up a storm for a charity fundraiser on Friday 18 January 2013.

Under the guidance of the Savoy's Executive Chef Bernard Mayer, the aspiring culinary stars created and served up a multi course meal of tantalising dishes for the more than three hundred guests that attended the 24th Society of Stars (SOS) charity dinner at the famous hotel.

Guests at the event - to raise funds for SOS and the University of West London's Equal Opportunities Project - included celebrity chef Brian Turner, Bob Walton Chair of the Restaurant Association and Julia Sibley Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust.

Commenting on the evening, Professor David Foskett, Head of the London School of Hospitality and Tourism, said:

'I am delighted that the SOS Charity Dinner was held at the Savoy Hotel. We thank the Savoy for giving our students such an amazing opportunity to work in their first class facilities. Our students were definitely up to the challenge. This is just further example of the calibre of work experience we can offer. It was an outstanding evening.'

Katie Colgan, University of West London, Hospitality and Tourism student said:

'I had the privilege to work in a front of house role at the event. It was so exciting to be able to mingle with guests and observe how the dinner was being prepared and served. It's great that I can now write on my CV that I've worked at the Savoy which is one of the most famous hotels in the world!'

The University's London School of Hospitality and Tourism works with SOS and the Equal Opportunities Project to provide specially converted training kitchens that welcome students with disabilities alongside their able bodied peers.

The evening also featured a range of show tunes and cabaret performed by students from the University's London College of Music.

The Savoy Hotel recently opened after undergoing extensive renovations and remains one of London's most prestigious hotels. Its kitchens have been graced by some of hospitality's most highly regarded talent including Michelin starred chefs Gordon Ramsey and Marcus Wareing.