The student-led venture is the second phase of the very successful BR6 Restaurant - which launched in 2015 – and is the centrepiece of the College’s pioneering Hospitality Food and Enterprise Career College.
The Tanners, co-owners of award-winning gastropub The Kentish Hare, were given a tour of the Bakehouse, along with a number of VIPs including the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Ian Payne.
Students prepared and served an afternoon tea to guests, and Chris and James cut a very special cake to mark the official opening.
Addressing guests, James Tanner said: “The opening of the Bakehouse@BR6 is a fantastic milestone for the college, which is committed to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. The college continues to lead the way in providing its students with the latest facilities to help them learn the skills needed to succeed in a business environment and not just in the kitchen.”
“Chris and I have been long term patrons of the college, and we are proud to be here to show our support. The new retail area will also give the public a chance to sample some of the exciting things being made by the students, as well as local Kent produce – which is some of the best in the country!”
The new Bakehouse is an extension of the existing BR6 Restaurant, which has gone from strength to strength over the past two years. It is currently rated as the No 1 restaurant on Trip Advisor for the local area. A welcome addition to the town centre, Bakehouse@BR6 will serve light lunches, coffees, cakes and cocktails, along with a shop selling a range of baked goods for customers to buy.
Welcoming guests to the special launch event, Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Sam Parrett said: “This is a very exciting day for us and our students. BR6 Restaurant has been a huge success since its opening in 2015 – and as a result, we have now been able to deliver phase two of this pioneering project.
"The new Bakehouse will provide our Career College students with even more opportunity to develop their skills in real commercial environments. We are most grateful to James, Chris and all our guests for coming along and joining us today. It has been a great experience for our students and has encouraged them to focus on future careers within this dynamic industry.
“The Bakehouse is also a fantastic addition to Orpington Town Centre and I would like to thank everyone who has supported its development and its opening.”
BR6 Bakehouse will be open to the public on Wednesday 19 April
BR6 is the centrepiece of our Hospitality, Food and Enterprise Career College, part of the national Career College network. The Career College offers a range of hospitality and catering courses from Level 1 right through to a new degree course - BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship.
BR6 will be running taster events throughout the June and July for people who have registered on courses and there will also be open days for prospective Career College students. For more information click here.