A modern, sophisticated new-look restaurant was unveiled at HSDC South Downs as special guests attended the launch night for 74 South.
A selection of canapés and stylish mocktails were enjoyed by visitors to the South Downs Campus’ onsite restaurant, which has been completely renovated and revitalised.
Staff and students collaborated on the vision for the new 74 South venue, which is a fully-licensed fine dining restaurant open to the public, staffed by our talented Hospitality & Catering students.
Guests from a variety of local hotels and restaurants attended the opening event to sample food and get a first look at the new decor, with visitors including partners from Exclusive Hotels, The Queens Hotel Portsmouth and chef Angela Hartnett.
Mike Gaston, Principal and CEO of HSDC, gave a warm welcome to all those present. He said:
“The hospitality and catering industry offers numerous exciting career opportunities across a whole plethora of specialisms from fine dining to delivering the finest pizza in your area.
“It also allows students starting from modest levels to become giants – of course, none of this happens without exceptional experienced professionals supporting our staff.
“We certainly recognise the substantial value that the hospitality industry gives us locally. It remains a vital industry that requires a significant and healthy talent pool, which we aim to provide.”
Sweet and savoury dishes were prepared and served by students in their new 74 South uniforms, and music was performed throughout the evening by Jess Harrison, who is studying the UAL Level 4 Diploma in Professional Music Performance.
On the new look for the venue, Assistant Principal Paul Carter said:
“We started by talking to our students, who really wanted to focus on the history and heritage of the college. We’re really proud of our new brand, it plays into the history of when this college was born in 1974.
“For us, it was about creating somewhere for students to feel like they were in a professional space and working in industry. Our chef lecturers and front of house team go above and beyond to help the students with their technical skills development.
“We couldn’t do it without our brilliant team which all works together to give our students the best opportunities going forward.”
Head of Faculty Donna Wilmshurst also shared some stories of ex-students who have gone on to have successful careers in these industries, including Henry Smith, who works with Angela Hartnett at London restaurant Murano and Bella Skipp, who won Gold for Confectionery at the World Skills UK final.
74 South is open to the public during term time for lunch and dinner reservations.
Visit our 74 South webpage to find out more about the restaurant’s opening hours and to book in for a visit to see it for yourself.