Eat & Drink

Image shows celebrity chef Anton Edelmann behind the counter with our catering learners.
Top chef Anton Edelmann led our learners in cooking up a feast for VIPs at the opening of the Chef's Hat in early 2010.

Photo credit: Amanda Guy, learner on our Foundation Degree in Photography.

Barking & Dagenham College catering learners have been cooking up a storm this past year!

Our superior bistro - the Chef's Hat - offers fine dining at its Wednesday "twilight service".

Anton recently paid a return visit to the kitchen and the tables, which offer real work for BDC’s catering learners, and he and his fellow diners that evening raved about both the food and the service.

Mr R D Walter gave the learners 10 out of 10 for standards and service.

“Very clear, distinct flavour, tasty and tender. Amazing professional presentation,” said R’chelle James.

Joyce Roberts enjoyed the presentation, “the courteous behaviour of the staff, how tasty it was,” suggesting the Chef’s Hat widens its choice for vegetarians.

Tracie and Mia Walter enjoyed “everything” about their experience, “the taste, the presentation and the service.”

“Everything was first class, everyone was smiling and we would like to come again,” said Mrs Christina Walter.

We provide plenty of choice when it comes to eating and refreshments – from snacks and sandwiches to fine cuisine, we welcome the public to sample our fare.

The Chef’s Hat

Our College bistro – The Chef’s Hat – provides a first-class and affordable restaurant experience in a modern, relaxed setting. We serve quality cuisine based on traditional French cooking methods, combined with influences from around the world.

Food is prepared and served by our trainee chefs, under the expert guidance of our qualified tutors, allowing us to provide real work experience for our learners.

Special offer

Book a table for four or more diners and one of you can dine for free with our ”Autumn offer”  voucher. Pick up a copy of our newsletter from the College reception to get your  voucher.

Opening times:

Morning coffee – 10am and 11am
We welcome members of the public to come along and enjoy morning coffee with, perhaps, a pastry or two.

Lunch is served – 12 noon to 1.30pm
We are open for lunch to members of the public, as well as our learners and staff. Lunch is served on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (during term time). We welcome anyone from the local community – experience our talent and creativity.

Special dinner services on Wednesdays
Early dinner special: 5pm – 5.45pm -Enjoy two-courses for £6.
Premium dinner experience: 6pm – 7.30pm (restaurant closes at 9.30pm) Two-courses for £7.50 or three-courses for £9.

We recommend that you book your table in advance. Please email us or telephone: 08442 881 063

Available for hire

With a seated capacity of 40 and a standing capacity of 60, it is also available for hire. We would be happy to explore hosting any external events or corporate functions.

To book a table or enquire about hiring The Chef’s Hat please email: goodfood@barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk

Image shows the recently refurbished Refectory

The Refectory – fork-friendly fare

A favourite with learners and staff alike for its excellent range of dishes, the Refectory (pictured left) offers a choice of at least five nourishing hot dishes every lunch time, along with salads, sandwiches and other treats – even an all-day breakfast!  It’s a great place to hang out with friends and refuel in the process.

Click here to view a sample menu for the Refectory.

Newbred Bakery Shop

The aroma of fresh bread on campus leads you to our very own bakery, where learners from the School of Food Studies create daily delights consisting of fresh loaves, doughnuts, sandwiches, cakes and pizzas to name but a few.

Bramley café

Situated in our modern, airy Bramley Building, the café serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and treats all year round. It’s a great space to hang out with friends or meet up with tutors and staff. The café is open and staffed between 9.30am and 3.30pm (1 pm on Fridays) – outside of these hours we having a varied selection of vending machines around the College.


Under the watchful eye of tutor “Dough” Ray Morum, Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC bakery apprentices prepare their fresh-baked products for sale.

Updated Wednesday 20 April 2011