Cheshire College's restaurants are integrating eco-friendly practices across their student-led operations.

Academy West is committed to equipping students with the skills needed to drive the sector towards a more responsible future.

Using locally sourced produce from Cheshire and the Wirral, students at the college are able to create fine dining dishes.

The restaurants prioritise ethically sourced ingredients - including British meats from regional farms, sustainably caught seafood from UK coastal waters and fresh British-grown vegetables.

These efforts ensure top-quality, fresh ingredients while supporting sustainable supply chains.

Academy West's zero-food waste policy further minimises waste and promotes responsible disposal practices.

Beyond food sourcing, the restaurant has switched to eco-friendly cleaning products, significantly reduced single-use plastics, and encouraged suppliers to minimise packaging—driving positive change across the supply chain.

Students recently visited a Welsh hillside farm to gain firsthand insight into sustainable food production.

This immersive experience helped deepen their understanding of responsible sourcing and highlighted the importance of collaborating with local farmers and suppliers.

The department is also strengthening its commitment to sustainability by growing fresh herbs on-site, with plans to expand into a full-scale kitchen garden.

This initiative ensures the use of the finest quality ingredients and provides students with invaluable, hands-on learning opportunities to enhance their understanding of sustainable food production practices.

Adam Gaunt-Evans, lecturer at Academy West, said: "Sustainability in hospitality is more than just a trend; it's a necessity.

"By integrating sustainable practices into our teaching from day one, we are preparing students to lead the industry with responsibility and innovation.

"Our goal is to inspire them to make environmentally conscious decisions throughout their careers."

As Cheshire College continues to expand its sustainability initiatives, it remains dedicated to developing forward-thinking professionals who will drive the sector towards a more responsible and ethical future.

For further information about Cheshire College visit here.