Hull College celebrated the grand opening of its beautifully refurbished training restaurant, Bilocca, with two successful launch events last week.

The college’s Chair of Governors, Rob Lawson OBE, officially cut the ribbon at the city centre venue, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd to enjoy evenings of delicious food, drinks, and entertainment, all in the company of community supporters, industry leaders and business partners, along with current and former staff.

The evenings showcased the college’s talented Catering and Hospitality students, who rose to the occasion by preparing and serving a five-course tasting menu. Attendees were treated to an array of delectable dishes, each expertly crafted and presented by the students, who demonstrated both skill and dedication in delivering exceptional service.

Jo Tills, General Manager at Bilocca and Catering and Hospitality Lecturer at the college, praised the achievements of the students following the events, and said: “The launch nights were a fantastic success! Our students poured their passion and skills into every dish, creating what was an unforgettable experience for our guests. I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, dedication, and commitment and the way in which they represented the college across both events.

“The restaurant looked absolutely fantastic and feedback on the facilities, the standard of food and the performance of all of students - both in the kitchen and front of house - was that they were all excellent. We just can’t wait to open our doors to the public now!”

Bilocca is no ordinary restaurant. It serves as a training ground for talented students from the college’s acclaimed Catering and Hospitality courses, offering them a unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience under the expert guidance of knowledgeable tutors.

Located in the college’s Horncastle Building on George Street, the fully-licensed restaurant is now open for bookings every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (12pm - 2pm) - as well as for an evening dinner service on Thursdays between 7pm - 9pm. Reservations can be made online here.

The restaurant is named in honour of Lillian Bilocca and the Headscarf Revolutionaries, who fought to improve the safety of Hull’s fishermen in the 1960s. It is a testament to Hull’s maritime heritage and a celebration of Hullraisers - individuals who, like Lillian, are fearless, driven, and ready to rise.

Rob Lawson OBE, Chair of Governors at Hull College, said: “This is a proud moment for Hull College, seeing our talented students rise to the challenge and deliver a truly memorable dining experience. Bilocca is much more than a restaurant; it’s a space for our students to develop their craft, innovate, and build their confidence and industry skills - in a setting that honours Hull’s values of hard work, courage, and resilience. It forms part of our ongoing commitment to provide our students with inspirational learning environments, ensuring they leave us with the skills they need to be ready for their future careers.”

For more information about Bilocca, please visit www.hull-college.ac.uk/bilocca or email bilocca@hull-college.ac.uk.

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