UHI North, West and Hebrides’ students prepare to launch Croft Bistro restaurant in Stornoway
UHI North, West and Hebrides’ student-run ‘Croft Bistro’ in its Stornoway campus officially launches for its 2024 season on Wednesday 6 March.
The restaurant is open to members of the public on a Wednesday and Thursday, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and provides a valuable and important training opportunity for professional cookery students.
The menus are designed by a different professional cookery student each week and will be published every Tuesday on the UHI North, West and Hebrides Stornoway Facebook page.
This week’s menu has been designed by student Mark McCreadie:
Mains
Fillet of sea bass with chorizo crumble, sauteed green beans, beetroot puree, olive crushed potato
Pork belly, garlic mash, black pudding and caramelised apple tower with grain mustard sauce and buttered cabbage
Penne pasta in a spinach and lemon mascarpone cream with roasted ratatouille of vegetables, parmesan shavings, chilli oil and basil pesto
Dessert
Passion fruit tart with coconut ice cream, mango and pineapple salsa
Poached pear, chocolate sauce, toasted almonds, espresso and brandy cream
One course £10, two courses £14.
To book, please call 01851 770406.
The reopening of the ‘Croft Bistro’ comes on the back of student Shonnie Mackay (18) being awarded ‘Employee of the Year’ at Lews Castle, run by Together Travel. Shonnie started as a Kitchen Porter in 2022 before rising to the position of Commis Chef. The award recognises his hard work, enthusiasm, and skills he’s developed between his job and college course.
Shonnie said: “I came to the college from 5th year and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I started on the Professional Cookery course and really like Hospitality. James is a great lecturer to work with and has been so encouraging. My aim is to complete my course and work locally to build on my experience. I hope to be a Head Chef one day.”
James Mackenzie, lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “We are so proud of Shonnie and all our students as they prepare to re-open the restaurant. The Bistro provides our students with essential practical experience of running a full service to the public. They work incredibly hard to design all the menus, deliver great food and first-class service. This is so important in developing their careers and creating much-needed trained staff to support local businesses.”
A spokesperson for Together Tavel added: “Since coming on board Shonnie has shown great interest and enthusiasm to progress within the hospitality industry, with a particular interest in the kitchen. Shonnie has worked extremely hard and developed his skills since starting college and through the practical events experience, he has gained in Lews Castle. Shonnie's positive attitude and team-orientated work ethic made him a very deserving winner of this award and we are so very proud of his achievements thus far and look forward to seeing his career grow.”
Meanwhile, UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus will see the return of its popular NPA Bakery course next month. Starting on Wednesday, 24 April, for 9 weeks, the course is perfect for those who have a real interest in baking or if you are considering cooking or bakery as a career. Covering bread making, pastry, craft baking and cake decoration, it provides students with a wide range of skills and expertise. More information on the course can be found here: NPA Bakery SCQF 4 (Fort William, Stornoway) (uhi.ac.uk)