Restaurants
Located in our Colchester campus, The Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies offers guests the opportunity to dine in either of our two restaurants – the Balkerne Restaurant and the Colne Bistro.
Every customer that walks through our doors is directly contributing towards the success of the next generation of hospitality staff – both chefs and front of house.
Award Winning Restaurants
In 2008, the Balkerne Restaurant received the College Restaurant of the Year Award from Restaurant Magazine.
The process behind achieving this award is deemed, by the magazine, to be ‘the most comprehensive test a college can face in a real environment’ and goes to show the incredible determination and talent of the students at CH&FS.
Officially opened by its patron, Gary Rhodes, in October 2002, our multi-million pound purpose-built Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies provides excellent facilities and training for hospitality students and aims to give them a realistic sense of what it is like to work in the hospitality industry.
Recently four lucky students studying the Professional Cookery VRQ Level 3 at CH&FS got the chance of a lifetime to cook with TV chef Jamie Oliver when he visited Colchester to film the popular Channel 4 show Friday Night Feast.
The Balkerne Restaurant
Here at the Balkerne Restaurant we endeavour to serve modern cuisine. Dishes that take seasonal produce and then give them a modern twist by pairing essentially British ingredients with European and Asian Flavours, and using modern, up-to-date cooking techniques. For those that want to experience the ultimate in modern dining, why not try our Wednesday and Thursday evenings? These evenings are run by our level 2 students front of house and level 3 students in the kitchen.
Booking for this restaurant is essential in order to avoid disappointment.
Opening Times
Wednesday to Thursday Lunch
12.00pm – 12.45pm
Last order at 1.00pm and restaurant closes at 2.30pm
Tuesday Dinner
7.00pm – 7.45pm
Last order at 8.00pm and restaurant closes at 10.30pm
Wednesday to Thursday Dinner
7.00pm – 7.45pm
Last order at 8.00pm and restaurant closes at 10.30pm
Please note: All restaurant opening times and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Prices
Wednesday to Thursday lunch
3 courses inc. coffee – £14.00 per person
Tuesday Dinner
3 courses exc tea or coffee – £19.00 per person
Wednesday to Thursday Fine Dining
Amuse bouche, 3 courses, exc. coffee and petit fours – £21.50 per person
Sample Menus
Group / Private Bookings
If you require exclusive use of the Balkerne Restaurant, please contact the Events Manager to arrange. A maximum of 50 guests can be accepted in the restaurant. A surcharge will apply for parties with less than 35 guests.
Deposits
Bookings of six or more guests in the Balkerne Restaurant require a deposit of £5.00 per person. Deposits are required to guarantee your booking, which in turn guarantees assessment opportunities and qualifications for our learners.
Deposits can be paid by cash, cheque or credit/debit card at the CH&FS Reception or at the Online Store. (Please make cheques payable to Colchester Institute, and send to the Balkerne Restaurant, Colchester Institute, Sheepen Road, Colchester, CO3 3LL.)
In the event of a full or partial cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and gluten friendly alternatives are included in our menus. With prior notice, we will endeavour to produce dishes for other dietary requests.
Contact Us
balkerne.restaurant@colchester.ac.uk
(01206) 712452
The Colne Bistro
An opportunity to dine at lunch and support the next generation of hospitality staff – both chefs and front of house.
Recently described as “being the hidden gem on the Essex dining out scene”*, you are sure to have an enjoyable meal in a relaxed and casual environment.
Opening Hours
Now open from Tuesday to Friday Lunch
Opens 12 noon – last orders at 1.30pm
*Source: Dining Out in North Essex, December 2013.
Prices
Starters from £2.50
Main Courses from £6.00
Desserts from £2.50
Please note: Restaurant opening times and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Group / Private Bookings
If you require exclusive use of the Colne Bistro, please contact the Events Manager to discuss your requirements.
Conference / Meeting Facilities
We have the facilities to offer a meeting room for 35 people. Please contact the Events Manager for further information.
Deposits
Bookings of six or more guests in the Colne Bistro require a deposit of £5.00 per person. Deposits are required to guarantee your booking, which in turn guarantees assessment opportunities and qualifications for our learners.
Deposits can be paid by cash, cheque or credit/debit card at the CH&FS Reception or at the Online Store. (Please make cheques payable to Colchester Institute, and send to the Colne Bistro, Colchester Institute, Sheepen Road, Colchester, CO3 3LL.)
In the event of a full or partial cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and gluten friendly alternatives are included in our menus.
With prior notice, we will endeavour to produce dishes for other dietary requirements.
Contact Us
colne.bistro@colchester.ac.uk
(01206) 712452
CH&FS Takeaway
Why not try something new by enrolling on one of our New Year evening classes, where you can choose from a variety of courses specialising in different culinary skills.
Release your inner Mary Berry and impress your friends by learning how to whip up delicious treats with the help of our talented tutors at The Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies.
