New training centre opens in Hackney

15:30 7th April 2009

Students are being given the chance to work in a restaurant while studying for a qualification at the new London City Hospitality Centre at Hackney Community College.

The facility boasts 20 stainless steel work stations based on the environment of a commercial kitchen in the upper level, while downstairs is a restaurant which is open to the public.

Backed by the London Development Agency (LDA), the project was recently opened by celebrity chef Paul Rankin.

The new centre is ideal for those considering a career change such as 54-year-old Veronica Aska who commented: "I learnt lots of new things such as modern cooking and catering techniques.

"I've always loved cooking and baking and this has proved to be the ideal course for me as it involved a lot of practical experience."

The experience of learning again may encourage students to study other topics such as programming courses or IT training.

Hackney Community College is centred in Shoreditch but also has 50 other locations in the district.