Hospitality students help hotel scoop top award

Edge Hotel School’s unique industry-engaged education has helped Wivenhoe House Hotel scoop a top hotel award judged with the help of mystery guests.

The Hotel picked up the University Hotel Award at the U Dine Awards, which recognise excellence in the hospitality industry, with a particular focus on innovation and outstanding service.

The University Hotel Award recognises exceptional hotels affiliated with universities or colleges.

Wivenhoe House, which was named as a finalist in April, fought off stiff competition from Edgbaston Park Hotel at the University of Birmingham and Orchard Hotel at University of Nottingham.

All three finalists were anonymously visited by mystery judges who scored the hotels for how well students checked them in and served them in the hotel restaurants.

Adrian Martin, Vice-Principal, at Edge Hotel School said: “It was amazing to win against some great hotels around the country and the fact the judges were served by students was the icing on the cake and testament to how far an Edge student can progress during the course.

“Our education offers the best preparation for the world of work because of our unique learning environment and industry-engagement which is integral to everything we do. Not only do our students learn in an immersive and professional environment, they have unique opportunities to work with and learn from the best in the sector along the way.”

The award was presented to Adrian Martin by Simon Rimmer, of the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, and Michael Duffey, Director of Experience at The Social Hub in Amsterdam.