n Fine dining: Michelle, seen right, enjoys lunch at the Jubilee Restaurant.
By Michelle Norris
WHEN I was invited to lunch at Havering College’s Jubilee Restaurant, I must admit I had visions of a canteen styled room offering a small sample of sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
But after stepping inside the Jubilee Restaurant, it was clear I couldn’t have been more wrong. Beautifully decorated with modern student artwork, contemporary lighting and featuring a gorgeous burgundy colour scheme, it was as though I’d walked into a top restaurant in the heart of London.
Greeted by the Front of House Manager, Tony Pecoraro, I was seated at a quiet table set beside thought-provoking student artwork and was immediately offered drinks while I cast my eye over the mouth-watering menu.
Designed, cooked and served by students studying for their NVQ in Professional Food Cookery, the service and food on offer is first-rate.
Changing weekly, the menu continuously gives the young chefs a range of themes and challenges to work with, making the dishes unique and really hard to choose from.
Opting for the Scotch Broth to start, I was impressed by the variety of flavours and light consistency that only true perfectionists can master. Slipping away into conversation and enjoying the friendly ambience, the charming and well-presented front of house team looked after me well.
Choosing the Beef Stroganoff with Noodles for my main course, every bite was a treat. Presented to the most artistic standard, the beef was beautifully cooked and drizzled in a thick creamy mushroom sauce, which really complemented the crispy, flavoursome meat. Served with sweet potato wedges, broccoli florets and braised shallots, this really hit the spot.
The sweets were also a delight to the taste buds, but my favourite had to be the exquisite Hot Cherries in brandy, which came with gold top milk ice cream and brandy snap biscuit. Delicious!
Based on Havering College’s Quarles Campus in Romford, the Jubilee Restaurant offers a three-course lunch menu with a coffee for just £7.95 per person on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12.45pm to 3pm. A three course evening meal is also available for just £11.95 per head during Fine Dining sessions every Thursday between 7pm and 9.30pm. A Gourmet Evening, which includes a five-course menu for £17.95 per head, will be held on 11 May from 7pm. For details, please visit www.havering-college.ac.uk or to book a table call 01708 462886.