Professional Cookery and Events Students Shine at HIT Scotland Fundraising Lunch

City of Glasgow College’s Level 5 and 6 Professional Cookery students, alongside HND Events Management Year 1 students, showcased their talent, skill, and professionalism at the annual Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Poets Lunch on Friday 5 September, held at the Hilton DoubleTree in Glasgow.

Under the guidance of lecturer John Thomson, the students prepared and presented an impressive 900 canapés for the 500 attendees at the prestigious fundraising event. Menu highlights included rosemary-roasted venison, hot smoked salmon blinis, and Quorn and chilli sausage rolls, all served during the pre-lunch drinks reception.

The HIT Scotland Poets Lunch is a key annual fundraiser supporting the development, training, and professional growth of employees and businesses across Scotland’s hospitality sector. This year, the event successfully raised £70,000 for the charity.

For many students, this was their first experience of working within a large-scale, city-centre hotel event. They gained invaluable experience in the organisation and operation of a professional function, following instructions from the event management team, and maintaining the high standards of personal presentation expected in the hospitality industry.

John Thomson praised the students’ dedication and professionalism, saying:

“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting, and they performed exceptionally, contributing to a very successful fundraising event.”

The students’ outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. HIT Scotland organisers were full of praise for the College students, commenting on their professionalism, positive attitude, and the exceptional quality of their food and service. They expressed how impressed they were by the students’ confidence and ability to deliver at such a high-profile event, reinforcing the strength of the next generation entering the hospitality industry.

The event not only offered students a taste of the fast-paced environment of professional hospitality, but also the satisfaction of contributing to a cause that strengthens the very industry they are preparing to join.