In a partnership between The Edge School and the three hotels, students get to spend two days learning all aspects of afternoon tea service, from time with pastry chefs in the kitchen to out front with service staff, picking up top tips in providing quality service.
Students then take their new-found skills back to The Edge School's training hotel Wivenhoe House where they are put into use for a series of London-inspired afternoon tea services.
Wivenhoe House general manager Oliver Brown praised the industry's support of the school and its students.
"With a nationwide shortage of skilled staff in this vibrant sector it is vital that we can give the students the most wide-ranging experience possible and our colleagues in the hospitality industry support us wherever they can. It’s great that, this time, our guests can benefit too," he said.
Wivenhoe House, which reopened in the grounds of The Edge School in 2012, has already built up a reputation for its £19.50 afternoon teas served in the lounges of the 18th Century main house and is hoping to strengthen its appeal by serving a Brown's themed afternoon tea until 31 August, a The Dorchester-inspired afternoon tea (1 September to 30 November) and The Ritz-inspired afternoon tea (1 December to 28 February 2016).
Brown's hotel general manager Stuart Johnson said: "The Wivenhoe House afternoon tea initiative is a great example of bringing students into a world class international environment working alongside an excellent pastry chef and team combined with front of house service, helping hone the skills of the stars of the future.”
Roland Fasel, regional director UK and general manager of The Dorchester, added: “The Dorchester provides an excellent foundation for the hospitality luminaries of tomorrow and we are honoured to be part of this initiative alongside The Ritz London and Brown’s Hotel.”