Kent college opens training hotel staffed by students
The Yarrow in Broadstairs is owned and operated by East Kent College and will give hospitality students the chance to work alongside professionals to hone their skills.
The grade II listed building has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment to transform it from a lecturing space in to a 28-room boutique hotel with a 64-cover restaurant and 120-capacity event space.
Chef Ben Williams, formerly of the two Michelin-starred The Square, will head up the hotel restaurant, while former Hotel Indigo general manager Andrea Whigham will manage the site.
Shane Godwin, commercial director of East Kent College, said the ‘unique’ hotel would offer guests a different but top level of service.
“As a training hotel it’s been really important to ensure all of our professional staff are passionate about the hospitality industry, and giving every customer the finest experience possible,” he said.
“We’ve got an incredible team of professional staff here, and I’m confident that everyone who visits The Yarrow will walk away having had next level service throughout their time with us.”
The hotel also features a luxury salon and spa for guests and will help train students studying hair and beauty courses.
A similar degree-level hospitality training scheme operates at the Wivenhoe House hotel, which is run by the Edge Hotel School on the University of Essex Colchester campus.
