National prize for university catering team

Plymouth University’s catering team has been named the best in the business at a national event recognising delicious sustainable food.

Plymouth scooped University of the Year at the Food Made Good Awards, which are run by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and recognise caterers that go the extra mile for sustainable, fresh, local and tasty food.

Run by University Commercial Services Plymouth (UCSP), the University’s cafés pride themselves on sustainability – already holding three SRA stars, recognised as the Michelin stars of sustainability.

Catering Operations Manager Jason Allbutt attended the ceremony and collected the award, presented by Raymond Blanc, on the University’s behalf.

Matt Hodson, Commercial Services Director at UCSP, said: “Plymouth University as a whole prides itself on sustainability, and it’s fantastic that the catering services have been recognised in this way. As well as focusing on being green, our team is dedicated to serving the tastiest food possible, and our chefs work incredibly hard to produce menus that are fresh, delicious and nutritious.

“We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve all achieved and look forward to producing more fantastic food throughout the year.”

Two University chefs, Pat Allen and Vicky Whitmarsh, also recently attended The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) Chefs’ Challenge.

They were shortlisted alongside 21 other teams for their skill in producing a three-course fine-dining meal in only one hour, and eventually finished fifth.

Matt added: “This is a fantastic achievement and a real indicator of how far our food has come over the last few years. To do so well in our first year of entering is a real testament to the skill of our chefs.”