THE student-run restaurant at Bradford College has been chosen as one of the top 14 college restaurants in the country.

The Grove restaurant, which is open to the public and used to train hospitality and catering students, made it on to the shortlist for the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award.

Part of the AA’s annual Hospitality Awards, the award recognises the hard work of chef lecturers and student.

The Grove, which is in the college’s city centre David Hockney Building in Great Horton Road, qualified for the award after earning an AA College Rosette following a judge’s secret visit.

Bradford College students Paul Rose and Nikita Rudding and chef lecturer Paul Johnson attended a judging day at Park Plaza Riverbank hotel in London where they were put through a series of interviews and practical tasks by industry experts, including celebrity chef Tom Kerridge.

A video about the Grove, put together by A-level media students Eleanor Hodson and Hannah Akhtar, was also presented to the judges.

Although the Grove didn’t make the cut to the final three restaurants, from which the overall winner will be announced on September 25, taking part in judging day was hugely valuable according to lecturer Paul Johnson.

“The whole day was a whirlwind of magical experiences for the young chefs - quite the Willy Wonka moment for them,” he said.

“They came away fully inspired and motivated to get themselves to the highest standard within the industry.

“The students were given a tour of the hotel, enjoyed an exceptional lunch then heard a very inspiring talk from Tom Kerridge on his journey through the industry and how his passion continues to grow.

"The students then gave a presentation on the Grove restaurant and were set a task to design a new format of food design and delivery for the industry.

“It was a very worthwhile experience and we are very grateful to both People First and the AA for the opportunity.”

An added bonus for both students was that as a result of judging day they have secured impressive work experience opportunities.

Paul has lined up a stint at Tom Kerridge’s Michelin starred pub the Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, while Nikita will be returning to the Park Plaza to do a placement.