Shrewsbury College is continuing to celebrate its commercial success this month, as Origins Restaurant marks its first anniversary while the new, purpose-built hair and beauty salon, Evolve will be opening its doors.

Origins is a contemporary restaurant serving top quality British and European food and has successfully been offering affordable fine dining to the public for a year.

Origins is a first-class training facility where Hospitality & Catering students hoping to become the next industry-leaders get valuable, hands-on experience, under the expert eye of professional chef lecturers.

Ted Coxon, Commercial Manager at Shrewsbury College, said: “It’s been a great first year here at the restaurant. We have built a fantastic client base and the students have definitely benefitted from working in a commercial environment where they get real industry- experience in all of the practical areas that the sector requires.”

Miles Porton, 45, from Shrewsbury, who recently dined at the restaurant, said: “My wife and I were absolutely blown away by the quality of the food and the friendly service from the students. For a three course fine dining evening meal, £14.95 per person is amazing value. It’s definitely worth a visit.”

In addition to running as a restaurant, Origins, which holds up to 100 people, can be booked for a variety of occasions.

Mr Coxon added: “Origins is a flexible, modern space, which can cater for a variety of different events, including birthday parties, weddings, gala dinners, conferences, business breakfasts and much more. Our two associated industry-standard Skills Kitchens and classrooms are available to hire by any companies looking for a venue to train staff in food production or hygiene, catering or cooking.”

The restaurant recently launched its new-look interactive website, where customers can now book a table at a click of a button.

The first birthday of Origins coincides with the opening of the new professional hair and beauty salon, Evolve.

Evolve is a new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built salon with top-of-the-range equipment and facilities. It features ten hair stations, four individual and relaxing treatment rooms and two spa pedicure chairs.

Like Origins, it was built as part of the £15 million redevelopment at the College. Both Hospitality & Catering and Hair, Beauty & Therapies courses are now all taught at London Road having moved from Radbrook, to give students a more all-inclusive experience and better training facilities. Students are now training at Evolve’s associated Hair & Beauty Academy, while Evolve itself is a new fully-commercial venture.

Erica Coppinger, Evolve Manager, said: “Evolve is a professional hair and beauty salon offering clients everything under one roof. Situated on a main route into Shrewsbury, the contemporary salon has plenty of free parking.

“Our fully-qualified team offer a full range of luxury hair services and beauty treatments using hand-picked, industry brands, along with a thorough consultation, advice and guidance.”

The team includes, former Shrewsbury College Beauty student, Lauren Speake, who will be the salon’s full-time beauty technician. She has three years professional experience. Alongside her will be senior hair stylist, Stephen Thompson who has 24 years’ industry experience and has worked for a celebrity hairdresser. As well as benefitting from two  professional apprentices, the customers can also be treated by Salon Manager, Erica Coppinger who has over five  years’ industry experience.

Senior hair stylist, Steve Thompson, from Wolverhampton Said: “The location of the salon is amazing with lots to offer our customers. I'm looking forward to passing on all my experience to the new team at Evolve and to build up a great salon.
Evolve will be opening its doors to the public on Wednesday, 22 October and is taking bookings now. To mark its opening, the salon is offering 20% off all services and treatments until December 1.

For further information about Evolve, treatments available and its services and to see the price list, please visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk/evolve or call 01743 342422.

For more information about Origins, to book a table, or to find out more about hiring the venue (including the training kitchens) please visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk/origins or call 01743 342611.