The three-Michelin-starred Bray restaurant has become an official partner of Plymouth's Hotel School degree programmes.
Academics are working with the Fat Duck to develop a syllabus likely to include placement opportunities and talks by the restaurant’s staff, who will be consulted on course content and assessments.
For the past two years the restaurant has run an annual Inspirational Lunch, designed to give catering students the chance to experience a three-Michelin-starred meal free of charge. The Fat Duck's restaurant manager Dimitri Bellos told BigHospitality at the 2019 event that he was keen to work closer with colleges going forwards.
A spokesperson for The Fat Duck says: “Evoking positive nostalgic moments for our guests is at the centre of what we do. To do this successfully, it will require a team of ever-searching perfectionists who really do question everything.
“From immersing yourself into the world of coffee and wine to taking the guest’s experience to the next level by bringing in your own creativity and inspiration, the opportunities at The Fat Duck are truly endless.
“We are very much looking forward to embarking with the University of Plymouth Hotel School on a journey of wonder and discovery.”
The University’s existing partners including Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish group and The Goring Hotel in Belgravia, London.
The Fat Duck opened in 1995 and it has held three Michelin stars since 2004.
It was named the best restaurant in the world by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2005.