Vincents restaurant at Preston College

I'm not sure as to why more people don't support their local college training restaurants as they are a great dining venue, where the standard of food is always very high for the cost you pay for the menu.

The restaurants are an essential training ground for the chefs, sommeliers and front of house staff of the future and provide the students with an environment in which to hone their skills.

We were really pleased to be invited along to Vincents the training restaurant for Preston College for a Venetian evening. I let the college know I needed gluten free before arriving so they could adapt the menu accordingly.

Vincents like most training restaurants in located in a dedicated area of the college and unfortunately for most they can suffer from the "college" look, Vincents I am pleased to say is better than most in its appeal.

The service we received was warm and efficient and the students were keen to please, we also had a lovely discussion with one of the lecturers on local food and their sourcing policy which I am pleased to say is very much on a local basis. We only had one slight drop in service when our mains came out and I think there must have been some confusion over whether I had received a gluten free version of the dish and my plate was whisked away for a moment but this was quickly rectified.

The evening has been organised by a student with an emphasis on the food, so the Italian touches in the dining area where subtle such as red, white and green table coverings and subtle Italian music. The food menu was lovely and thankfully for me only actually had one pasta dish on it anyway.

Mr LF's bruschetta ! , they kindly provided a dish of garlic mushrooms for myself instead of the bread. My mushrooms were very tasty if a little plain looking and the bruschetta according to Mr LF was tasty and a nice appetiser.

Melon and parma ham, a light starter for us both, the flavours were clean and fresh, a good balance.

Chicken main , well flavoured sauce and the chicken breast was stuffed with spinach and cheese.

Sea bass main, the pea veloute was of particular note.

Mr LF's dessert of tiramisu, cherry tart and zabaglione

I had my own assiette of cherries, zabaglione and a rich dark chocolate tart.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Vincents and wouldn't hesitate to pay a return visit. The restaurant is open for Lunch in term times, Tuesday to Friday and also on Thursday evening for dinner, they also run the coffee bar in the college as well. Vincents can be contacted on 01772 225432 for bookings (11am - 2pm Mon - Fri).