The visit kicked off with a guided tour of the hotel led by Executive Chef Paul Hart. Students explored how a luxury hotel operates day to day, from professional kitchens to impeccable service standards, bringing their studies to life in a memorable way. The tour was followed by lunch at the hotel, where students had the chance to sample beautifully prepared food and experience first-hand the quality, presentation, and attention to detail expected at five-star level.

A lively Q&A session with Chef Hart rounded off the visit, with students asking plenty of questions about careers, industry expectations, and standing out at interviews. Speaking after the visit, Chef Hart commented:

“Great to see such well turned-out students today, I hope they enjoyed the tour and lunch. It's great to have plenty of questions. I enjoyed speaking to them about interviews and what some of my experiences have been like with people coming into the industry.”

Experiences like this play a vital role in student learning. They help bridge the gap between theory and practice, boost confidence, and inspire students by showing what is possible with dedication and professionalism. Meeting industry leaders face-to-face also gives students valuable insight into career pathways and the realities of working in hospitality.

Lecturer Paul Devenny highlighted the positive impact of the visit, saying:

“Opportunities like this are invaluable for our students. Seeing a five-star operation in action and engaging with professionals of this calibre motivates them, raises aspirations, and directly supports their progression into successful hospitality careers.”

The visit to The Balmoral Hotel was not only informative but memorable, reinforcing the importance of industry engagement in preparing students for the fast-paced, competitive, and rewarding world of hospitality.