The Classroom, Cardiff and Vale College’s landmark restaurant on the fifth floor of its City Centre Campus, has retained its AA College Rosette – Highly Commended Award.
AA College Rosettes are awarded to restaurants that serve food prepared with care, understanding and skill, and achieve standards that stand out in the local area. The Classroom was awarded the first AA College Rosette in Wales in 2017.
The Classroom is a unique modern European restaurant with panoramic views across Wales’ capital city. Offering seasonal menus with a focus on high quality, fresh Welsh produce, it is staffed by hospitality and catering industry experts and CAVC learners who are honing their skills and experience to start careers in the profession.
Following a visit to the restaurant for a meal, the AA’s inspector praised the learners who served him, Amy Rox and Cian and said that the level of hospitality they provided was “very good”.
The inspector also noted that The Classroom was:
“A beautiful and impressive space offering a ‘wow’ on arrival with far ranging views. Interesting to see the kitchens just prior to the entrance, makes for a real talking point on arrival.”
They also pointed to particular ‘wow factors’ such as the views of Cardiff and added that the natural light was “a real USP”.
The inspector found the first course of Beetroot Cured Salmon, Citrus Salad, Pomegranate and Dill crème fraiche to be “well prepared, with beetroot earthiness coming through”. The main courses of Pan Seared Rainbow Trout, Pea and Chorizo, jersey Royal and Lemon Garlic Aioli to be “quality trout, spot on timing with good texture coming from the skin” while the Lamb Noisette, Asparagus, Swede Fondant and Navarin Sauce to be “well executed … which pairs the asparagus very well when mixed with the excellent sauces that works very well indeed”.
A dessert of Chocolate Orange Fondant, Pistachio Tuille and Caramel Ice Cream had a “great flavour combination, fondant rich and luxurious”.
“All in all an enjoyable experience with a young team growing in confidence,” the AA’s report said.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “For The Classroom to retain its AA College Rosette – Highly Commended Award is a fantastic achievement.
“This Rosette is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our talented students and the industry professionals who are training them. Congratulations to them all.”
To find out more about The Classroom or to book a table visit: https://www.theclassroom.wales/