The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton has received two accolades from the People 1st International Hospitality Accreditation Scheme: Gold Accreditation and an AA Highly Commended College Rosette, the highest level of recognition it is possible to receive through the programme.

The People 1st International Accreditation Scheme, which has been running since 2012, was created as way to identify who the best colleges and providers delivering hospitality and catering provision in the UK are.

The much sought-after recognition also opens the opportunity for training restaurants within colleges to gain an AA College Rosette, mirroring the current industry AA recognition for culinary excellence.

Although there are currently 18 providers holding the gold and silver accreditations, The Clink becomes the first non-FE College recognised under the scheme. There are a total of 19 restaurants with the AA Rosette operating in the UK and only three in London (including The Clink at Brixton).

In order to determine whether a training centre is deserving of recognition, applicants are assessed on multiple categories including work experience; employer engagement; resources; staff; learner recruitment; success & review and quality assurance.

The scheme has an employer-led focus and looks at how the training centre is ensuring its learners have the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to have a successful career, whilst also understanding some of the challenges they will face in the industry – ensuring they are not only employed but retained within the sector.

Simon McKinnon Brahams, National Customer Operations Manager at The Clink Charity, said:

“We were so thrilled to receive the AA College Rosette and Gold Accreditation for our work at The Clink Restaurant, particularly as this is our tenth anniversary year at Brixton. For us, this award represents the coming together of fantastic food, high quality training and great employment opportunities for the students we work with.”

Andy Doyle, Partnerships Manager at People 1st International said:

“The Accreditation Panel were impressed by the quality of learning delivered at The Clink. Despite the restrictions imposed by the environment and adaptions required to ensure they can meet the qualification needs, it was inspiring to witness the professional environment, approach and positive impact being achieved by the team.

“The restaurant’s ambience, feel and attention to quality food and service were in line with those of a commercial high street establishment. The team of lecturers bring a wealth of industry experience and we’re delighted to recognise The Clink for the training delivery that is supporting individuals to enter the hospitality sector.”