Local produce and emerging culinary talent took centre stage as Northern Regional College welcomed hospitality and tourism and food producers to its Causeway Campus in Coleraine for ‘The North Coast Table’.

Held on Wednesday 14th October, the successful business engagement lunch showcased the skills of Year 2 and Year 3 Professional Chef students, who expertly prepared and presented a seasonal menu celebrating the flavours and ingredients of the North Coast.

Hosted in The Grove, the event supported Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Visit Causeway campaign, ‘A Giant Taste of the Causeway Coast and Glens’, which celebrates the region’s food, drink and local produce throughout October.

With locally sourced ingredients at the heart of the experience, the students demonstrated their creativity, technical skills and professionalism, giving industry guests an insight into the culinary talent being developed at the College.

Alongside the lunch, guests had the opportunity to network with fellow hospitality and tourism businesses and learn more about the College’s skills and training provision. The event brought education and industry together to celebrate the North Coast’s food heritage and support the development of its future hospitality workforce.

Stephen Price, Head of Department of Creative, Computing and Professional Industries at Northern Regional College, said: “The North Coast Table was a wonderful opportunity for our students to put their learning into practice and demonstrate their abilities to people working in the hospitality and tourism sector. They approached the event with enthusiasm and professionalism and we are incredibly proud of the creativity and skill they brought to the menu.

Stephen added, “Events like this give our students valuable experience of preparing and presenting food for industry guests, while helping them build confidence and connections as they prepare for their next steps. It was also an opportunity to show local businesses how the College’s skills and training provision can support their teams, and to celebrate the exceptional produce available on our doorstep.”

Clare Quinn, Trade Engagement Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “The North Coast Table was a fantastic celebration of local produce and the emerging talent that will help shape the future of our hospitality sector. It was a pleasure to see the students bring the flavours of the North Coast to life and share their enthusiasm for food with local businesses.

“A Giant Taste of the Causeway Coast and Glens is about celebrating the people, places and produce that make this region special. Northern Regional College’s involvement highlighted the important role education plays in supporting our food and tourism offering, while creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs.”

The success of The North Coast Table highlighted the value of connecting students with local employers and giving businesses a first-hand opportunity to experience the talent being developed at Northern Regional College.