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Talbooth Restaurant

01206 323150

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Milsoms

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Kesgrave Hall

All day dining

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Milsom Hotels sent Andrew Hirst, Andy Thurston, Fraser Rowe, Florian Ruel & Rachel Howard (3 head chefs, pastry chef and event manager) into the student-run Balkerne Restaurant at Colchester Institute for a collaboration dinner, to demonstrate the care and attention that goes into creating award-winning hospitality.

Level 2 and 3 supervisory and professional chef students aged 16-19 recreated a delicious four-course dinner with amuse-bouche and petit fours for paying guests, comprised of dishes from milsoms Dedham, The Pier at Harwich and Talbooth Restaurant.

Stevie Robson, General Manager at The Pier has long recognised the valuable relationship Milsom Hotels shares with the Colchester Institute and in recent years has made strides towards developing a partnership that creates new opportunities: “This dinner with Milsom Hotels was the first big idea on the calendar of events to support and nurture the next generation of young talent and open doorways to new opportunities”

Student chef Lucas Lowe is already benefiting from the partnership- joining Andrew Thurston at The Pier, with the view to become full-time when his studies complete.

Wilkin & Sons Ltd (Tiptree) are sponsors of the excellent Balkerne Restaurant at Colchester Institute. Liz Baker, Marketing Manager at Tiptree shared “I went to the event at Colchester Institute last night where the Milsoms chefs were training the staff and the meal was absolutely delicious!”

Andrew Hirst, Executive Head Chef at Talbooth Restaurant taught students to prepare Talbooth Restaurant roast breast of guinea fowl main course- “It’s just a nice thing to do. Not only does this new partnership open opportunities for students to progress into professional kitchens, but it also nurtures students by giving them an opportunity to work alongside professional chefs in any setting”

“Safe to say it was a great success, enjoyed by students, lecturers and those who attended.” The collaboration dinner is something Milsom Hotels hope to repeat annually.

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The Collection


Talbooth House & Spa

01206 322367

A luxury boutique hotel in Essex, looking out across Constable’s Countryside and Dedham Vale.

  • 12 uniquely designed bedrooms
  • Heated outdoor pool
  • Talbooth Spa

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Talbooth Restaurant

01206 323150

Great food and great service at this stunning restaurant beside the River Stour.

  • Riverside terrace and lawn
  • Outdoor marquee perfect for weddings
  • Private dining options available

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The Pier

01255 241212

Visit our hotel and restaurants by the coast for something a little different.

  • 14 individual bedrooms
  • All-day dining in the bar brasserie
  • Fresh sea food caught daily

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Milsoms

01206 322795

Escape from the bustle and relax at this charming hotel with bar, restaurant, lounge and terrace.

  • 15 quiet and relaxing bedrooms
  • Bar and restaurant with all-day dining
  • Two great spaces for meetings or private dining

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Kesgrave Hall

01473 333741

Charming hotel and restaurant set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Suffolk.

  • 23 en-suite bedrooms
  • Relaxed brasserie – open all day
  • Premier event venue The Hangar

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