Harpur’s Bistro at Buxton & Leek College Opens: A Nostalgic Tribute to High Peak College’s Legacy

Harpur's Bistro

Last week marked an exciting milestone for Buxton & Leek College as they officially opened the doors to their brand new training restaurant, Harpur’s Bistro. Marking a new era in the culinary and hospitality educational facilities at the college, former students were amongst the guests invited.

Harpur's Bistro

Harpur’s Bistro is no ordinary restaurant. It serves as a training ground for the college’s aspiring hospitality students, offering them a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in the fine dining industry.

Located on the ground floor of the magnificent Dome, the restaurant is open to the public every Thursday lunchtime, providing patrons with a taste of exquisite cuisine prepared and served by Apprentices, Level 1 and Level 2 students. A three course lunch costs just £19.95 per person.

Harpur's Bistro



Harpur’s Bistro – offering exceptional training facilities

Under the expert guidance of highly experienced tutors, the students at the Bistro work diligently in industry-standard kitchens to prepare and cook dishes that exemplify high-quality culinary skills. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the history of this long standing institution; reflecting its roots back to its beginnings as High Peak College in Harpur Hill, rekindling memories of its early days.

Harpur's Bistro

Harpur's Bistro

Students are involved in every aspect of its operations, ensuring that they receive a comprehensive training experience. From cooking meals in the state-of-the-art training kitchen to handling bookings and managing front-of-house duties, they are exposed to all facets of running a fine dining establishment. This holistic approach equips them with the skills needed to excel in the demanding world of the food service industry, nurturing the talents of future chefs and hospitality professionals.

Harpur's Bistro

Len Tildsley, Principal of Buxton & Leek College, had the honour of cutting the ribbon and officially inaugurating Harpur’s Bistro. He emphasised the significance of this venture, and said, “Harpur’s will give our students the experience they need that they can’t get any other way. This has culminated in almost three years of planning, and we have made it happen. The name is a nod back to the old days of High Peak College.”

Harpur's Bistro

Commenting further, Len Tildsley said, “The Bistro is already booked right up until Easter, which is absolutely fantastic! This isn’t a commercial venture, and it’s not about making a profit – it is about providing a breadth of experience for our students and the young people that are here to learn and become part of the hospitality and catering of the future.”

Buxton & Leek College

T: 0800 074 0099

Make a reservation via email: [email protected]

blc.ac.uk/bistro

Did You Enjoy This?

You might like our regular newsletter. We put all the best events, cultural highlights and offers from Buxton and the Peak District in your inbox every month.


This information will only be used to send you this newsletter. It is stored in Mailchimp.