Ian Waller enjoys a lunchtime treat prepared and served by students at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge
Tucked inside Wiltshire College & University Centre is a hidden gem that offers something a little different for diners: a relaxed restaurant experience where the next generation of hospitality professionals are learning their craft.
The White Horse Restaurant is run as a training environment for students, who prepare and serve lunch under the guidance of their tutors. Diners are welcomed on Tuesday lunchtimes, with three courses at just £15. You can also choose only two, if you prefer.
With space for around 32 guests, the restaurant has a calm, friendly atmosphere. On my visit the room was filled largely with older diners, many of whom appeared to be regulars and very comfortable in their surroundings. Booking ahead is recommended, as tables fill quickly.
Service is led by the students themselves, with tutor Harry overseeing the dining room, offering quiet guidance and encouragement when needed. It’s clear that this is a big moment for many of the young waiters and waitresses, who approach their roles with admirable bravery.
There are a few rough edges — which is entirely the point of the experience. My first waiter, for example, wasn’t fully familiar with the menu, but was otherwise well prepared and keen to help. My main server, Faith, was outstanding: polite, attentive and knowledgeable, and clearly growing in confidence as the service progressed.
The menu offered a choice of starters including sweet potato and coconut soup, vegetable spring rolls with sesame and soy dip, and chicken Caesar salad.
For mains, diners could choose between beef bourguignon with herb dumplings and Savoy cabbage, roasted sea bass with new potatoes, tenderstem broccoli and lemon cream, or mushroom and spinach tagliatelle with garlic and rosemary focaccia.
Desserts included Bakewell tart with ice cream, lemon posset, or profiteroles with chocolate orange sauce. A small selection of drinks was also available.
I began with the vegetable spring rolls, which were excellent — crisp and fresh, served with a light salad and a flavoursome dipping sauce. It was a well-judged starter and a lovely demonstration of the skills developing in the college kitchens.
For my main course, I chose the roasted sea bass, and it proved to be the standout dish of the meal. Fish is always a good test of a chef’s ability, and this dish was beautifully executed: perfectly cooked, elegantly presented and full of subtle flavours. The tenderstem broccoli retained a satisfying crunch, while the slight salty tang of samphire complemented the lemon cream sauce wonderfully.
It was also an ideal portion size for lunch.
Speaking with tutor Harry during the meal, he explained that the aim is to give the students as much independence as possible while still supporting them when needed. It was fascinating to watch them grow into their roles as the service progressed, helped by the encouragement of diners and the tutor’s gentle advice.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is warm and positive. Soft background jazz adds to the relaxed feel, while groups of friends chat easily between courses, comparing notes on the food and planning their next outings together.
For dessert, I opted for the profiteroles. These are notoriously tricky to prepare, making them a brave choice for a student showcase. While they perhaps lacked the absolute finesse of a professional kitchen, they were still a very good effort. The chocolate orange sauce could have used a little more citrus brightness, but it remained a tasty and satisfying end to the meal.
Overall, the menu was ambitious and prepared to a high standard, with the students serving with real enthusiasm and pride.
Dining at The Wessex White Horse is about more than just the food. It’s about supporting young people as they develop their skills, confidence and passion for hospitality.
Wiltshire College deserves real credit for creating such a welcoming environment where students can learn in a genuine restaurant setting.
And as lunches go, it’s not only a worthwhile initiative to support — it’s also a very enjoyable and affordable way to spend time with friends.
www.wiltshire.ac.uk/student-life/the-wessex-white-horse-restaurants/
