NSCG Celebrates Double Shortlisting at Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards

After a rigorous independent judging process, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been shortlisted in two categories for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2025.

With over 115 entries narrowed down, NSCG Stafford College student Max Croston has been named as a finalist for the Rising Star Award, while the staff team behind the College’s Riverbank Restaurant has earned a spot in the Team of the Year category.

Max, who studies Level 3 Diploma In Professional Cookery, has demonstrated fantastic motivation to develop the range of skills and qualities to become a competent chef during his time in the College’s Riverbank Restaurant.

Max has completed a variety of work placements during his first year, including during a holiday to Japan, where he spent a three day placement fully immersed in the country’s culture and cusine. He has since secured a postion at Weston Hall as a Commis Chef and has been identified to enter the British Culinary Federation Student Cook and Serve Team.

Tom Harrison, Curriculum Leader for Hospitality and Catering at NSCG, said: “I am delighted that Max has been shortlisted for this award, Max continues to work hard and impress us all with his passion and enthusiasm to his studies and balances this with his work commitments. Max is a fantastic part of the team and always looking to improve and grow his skills.”

The Riverbank Restaurant team is dedicated to providing exceptional learning opportunities, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours. They have welcomed some of Staffordshire’s leading industry professionals as guest chefs, hosting exclusive speciality evenings.

Establishments such as The Tawny, Little Seeds Stone, and Aston Marina have had full access to the onsite kitchen, working closely with learners to create menus and prepare fine dining dishes.

The restaurant balances three public lunch services and one evening service, and has already been recognised with a Highly Commended AA College Rosette, a Gold Award for Hospitality, and Centre of Excellence status for Food and Beverage Service.

The winners will be announced live at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony hosted by BBC Midlands Today’s Rebecca Wood, on Thursday 20^th March 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent.