The new AA Restaurant Guide 2017 College Restaurant of the Year Award - sponsored by People 1st - will recognise accredited colleges within the AA College Rosette Scheme that have shown outstanding achievements in a realistic working environment.

Following a series of practical tasks held in London, three finalists will be selected with the winner being announced at the AA Hospitality Awards held on Monday, 26 September 2016 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Garry Baldwin, senior hotel & restaurant inspector, AA Hotel Services said: "We are delighted to announce the AA College Restaurant of the Year award, sponsored by People 1st. College restaurants are no longer the best kept secrets in their local community and are growing in reputation all the time. This award will allow them to really promote and showcase themselves."

The award was developed in conjuntion with the employment organisation for hospiltality and tourism, People 1st and was designed to recognise the efforts of students, both front and back of house who are the future of the hospitality industry. The college accreditation process, provided by People 1st recognises colleges offering exceptional hospitality training and those that perform above and beyond in a specialist field as centers of excellence.

Colleges can use their accredited status as a tool to attract new learners, while the logo demonstrates to employers that the organisation is one of the best places to develop skilled staff to meet their business needs.

Martine Pullen, director of membership for People 1st commented: "We are delighted to further develop our partnership with AA and sponsor the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award. The new award gives our accredited colleges an additional opportunity to be recognised for the excellent work of their restaurants and reward the dedication of the lecturer and student teams that run them."

For more information on the AA College Rosettes scheme, click here For more information on the accreditation scheme click here