NSCG’s Riverbank Restaurant Nominated for AA College Restaurant of the Year 2026
22 May 2026
NSCG Stafford College’s Riverbank Restaurant has been nominated for AA College Restaurant of the Year 2026.
Delivered as a partnership between People 1st International and the AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award annually recognises the outstanding work of accredited colleges in their training restaurants, celebrating student talent, professional standards and excellence in hospitality education.
Situated overlooking Victoria Park in Stafford, the Riverbank Restaurant is the College’s student-led training facility. Boasting industry-standard kitchens, the College’s commitment to culinary excellence is showcased through the variety of programmes on offer in areas including front-of-house, professional cookery and hospitality, as well as a variety of apprenticeship opportunities.
Global skills consultancy, research and training solutions specialist, People 1st International, commented, “From fine dining service to hands-on culinary training, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group continues to showcase the quality and ambition of hospitality education.”
Tom Harrison, Curriculum Leader for Hospitality and Catering at NSCG Stafford College said, "We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for the AA College Restaurant of the Year. This recognition is a massive testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of both our talented students and our brilliant lecturing team. To see our training restaurant named alongside the best in the country is an incredible achievement and we couldn't be prouder of what our team achieves every day."
Having previously been awarded Gold Accreditation and Centre of excellence for Food and Beverage, alongside Highly Commended AA College Rosette in 2024, the Riverbank Restaurant is one of only ten FE training kitchens nationally in contention for the prestigious award.
Judging commences on Tuesday 16 June at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, where NSCG students will be presenting the Riverbank Restaurant to the judges and other college restaurant teams. Throughout the day staff and students will have opportunities to tour the hotel, attend an industry guest speaker, and learn more about the sector through networking.
The restaurant is a purpose designed contemporary style dining room the restaurant is staffed entirely by Stafford College students. Food is freshly prepared daily, using top-quality fresh ingredients cooked and presented to fine dining standards and then delivered under exacting service guidelines and supervision.
With monthly menu changes and numerous ‘themed nights’ throughout the year, students are given the opportunity to display their technical skills and flair in varying ways and ensure no experience is ever the same, offering invaluable experience for young people looking to advance through the sector.
Find out more about training or dining at Stafford College’s Riverbank Restaurant.