River Cottage and Young Devon launch new café

Young Devon and River Cottage are joining forces in a new community project in Newton Abbot, under the advice and guidance of River Cottage’s consultancy arm. Young Devon will open a café serving delicious food, made and served by young trainees, next month.

Young Devon’s Change Academy in Newton Abbot is undergoing a month of refurbishment, ready for the official launch on 25th March 2015. River Cottage’s team of chefs will also be working hard to devise a new menu, showcasing tasty dishes of simple, seasonal and locally sourced produce.

Led by Chief Executive Tim Tod, Young Devon is a Devon-based charity for young people aged 12 – 25, offering a wide range of support services including advice, information, counselling and accommodation. As part of their work in young people’s employability, Young Devon have partnered up with Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer River Cottage, who share their desire to encourage young people into worthwhile employment and fulfilling careers.

The ten trainees will be at the forefront of this project, gaining practical work experience in menu development, interior design, food production and customer service. Their programme has been developed to increase confidence and employability whilst providing practical cookery and front of house skills and a valuable insight into the catering industry. This traineeship awards successful qualifiers with a Level 1 Award in Employability Skills accredited by City & Guilds.

One the completion of the traineeship, there will be the opportunity for the trainees to progress onto River Cottage’s Apprenticeship Scheme, allowing them to continue training whilst also earning a salary.

Chris Griffin, Head of Consultancy and Education said: “This is the first phase of our exciting partnership with Young Devon. With their support network, and our expertise in education, together we can make a real difference to the lives of young people in this area.

“In addition to providing transferrable skills for the trainees, we’re looking forward to creating a foodie destination in Newton Abbot. Our River Cottage chefs are currently working on an irresistible menu using the best of Devon’s local, seasonal produce.”

Tim Tod, Chief Executive of Young Devon said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with River Cottage to enable us to provide some fantastic opportunities for young people in the area.

"This is a really exciting way for us to develop the work we already do to support young people into training, education and employment,  with collaboration and support from a great locally based business and I look forward to watching the project unfold."