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We are delighted to share some of the wonderful initiatives our catering team has been undertaking to enrich the dining experience at Wellington College. With a focus on student wellbeing, sustainability, and innovation, our catering services are continually evolving to meet the needs of our students and create a home-from-home environment.
Student-Centric Feedback Loops
At Wellington, we place great importance on student feedback. Every fortnight, our catering team meets with the food prefects to review recent meals and gather suggestions. This allows us to respond swiftly to any concerns and ensure our offerings are always in tune with student preferences. Additionally, from January, each boarding house has had a dedicated feedback session with our catering managers. These discussions, held in the comfortable surroundings of the boarding houses, have encouraged more open and relaxed conversations about our food services.
Commitment to Sustainability
We are proud of our ongoing efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability across the College. By closely monitoring plate and tray waste, and collaborating with the sustainability committee, we are constantly seeking ways to minimise our environmental impact. A key part of this is the introduction of the Klimato system, which allows us to measure the carbon footprint of our meals. This gives students the opportunity to make more environmentally conscious choices when selecting their food.
Nutritionally Balanced and Varied Menus
Providing healthy, nutritious meals remains a top priority for us. Our menus are carefully crafted to offer a variety of healthy options, from fresh fish and extensive salads to plant-based dishes and “powering performance” meals. We understand the importance of balanced nutrition, but we also know the value of a surprise treat. Whether it’s the ever-popular Chicken Katsu at supper or the standout dishes like Herb Gnocchi with Beef Ragout and Vietnamese-style Mushroom Banh Mi, there’s always something to excite the palate.
Innovations in Our Dining Spaces
In our continuous effort to improve the dining experience, we are working on a major upgrade to the Main Dining Hall. This exciting project aims to create a more welcoming and functional space, with a focus on reducing noise and enhancing comfort, all within the constraints of our historic building. The redesign will include flexible zoning, a central 360º island servery, and advanced digital technology, such as new lighting and acoustic systems.
Supporting Special Events and Themes
Our catering team actively supports a wide range of College initiatives and themed events, including PRIDE Month, Diwali, Black History Month, and sporting events like the Rugby World Cup. We also host popular themed days, such as St. Patrick’s Day, St. George’s Day, and, of course, the festive Christmas celebration, complete with the ever-popular chocolate fountain.
Exciting New Culinary Creations
We are thrilled to have a new pastry team on board, who have been busy creating delicious treats such as Maple Syrup and Bacon Bread, Goats Cheese, Red Onion, and Beetroot Bread, and “Hot Dog” Bread. Our dessert offerings have also expanded, with new additions like Tiramisu pots, Biscoff Cheesecake, and Mint Rocky Road, providing a sweet finish to our varied menu.
Refreshing New Drink Options
This past term, we introduced a range of refreshing smoothies, including Mango & Dragon Fruit and Strawberry & Banana, which have been particularly popular during the warmer months. These join our existing range of coffees, hot chocolates, and frappes, ensuring our students stay energised throughout the day.
Supporting House Socials and Fundraisers
Our catering team has thoroughly enjoyed supporting house social events and fundraising activities, with BBQs being a particular highlight this term. These events are a wonderful way for the team to contribute to the strong sense of community that defines life at Wellington.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dining at Wellington College
As we look to the future, we are excited about the upcoming transformation of the Main Dining Hall. Our goal is to create a space that not only serves as a dining area but also enhances the overall boarding experience. With a focus on comfort, accessibility, and innovation, this project will further our commitment to providing an exceptional catering service that truly meets the needs of our students.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our catering team has made and look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to enhance the dining experience at Wellington College
