Bruno Loubet-backed Hospitality and Catering Academy opens its doors to students

The new Bruno Loubet-backed Hospitality and Catering Academy at London's South Thames College has this week opened its doors to new students.

As chef-patron of Grain Store in London's Kings Cross, and Bistrot Bruno Loubet in Clerkenwell, the Academy's chef ambassador has been involved in the £5.7m development from the beginning, helping to oversee the kitchen fit-outs and equipment purchasing from construction stage onwards.

l-r Lucas Andrisiunas, 20, North Greenwich, Mahalet Bereket, 19, Lambeth, Bruno Loubet, Raj Patel, 18, Epsom, Corey Burke, 19, Morden

Delivering a speech to students on their first day, Loubet praised the Academy's facilities and curriculum, saying: "When I first heard about this project I thought it sounded fantastic and definitely wanted to be involved.

"This is an industry that rewards hard work and ability but you need the core skills to start on the way up. I will try to help you as much as I can by bringing in famous chefs to speak to you or to try your food to see how you're doing," he added.

Bruno Loubet launches construction of new hospitality and catering academy >>