University to open culinary school with free cooking courses in Chelmsley Wood
University College Birmingham has identified Chelmsley Wood and the surrounds as a hotbed of culinary talent and has confirmed plans to open a culinary school and informal eatery.
Situated in the Chelmsley Wood shopping centre, the purpose-built culinary school will be offering free courses that have been created with people local to Chelmsley Wood and Smith's Wood in mind.
Courses on offer will provide an introduction to working in the hospitality industry or starting down the path to becoming a professional chef.
UCB says it will suit those at the beginning of their careers or refresh their existing experience and skills.
The Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (Award) is aimed at those aged 19 and over.
Adam Pickett, University College Birmingham College of Food interim head of department and chef lecturer said: "We have exciting plans for the two units at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.
"Local adults and young people will have the chance to train, upskill and begin a career in the hospitality sector, right on their doorstep.”
Taught by expert lecturers, students of all ages will benefit from hands-on learning in industry-standard kitchens where their kitchen creativity can really come to life.
Front of house, the public will get to enjoy a seasonal menu devised, prepared and served by the students themselves.
Adam continued: “The students get unparalleled access to the sort of environment and equipment that professional chefs and hospitality staff work with every day.
“Forget about sitting in a classroom all day – these courses give you the theory and the knowledge, then we expect you to put that into practice pretty quickly.
“The distance into Birmingham city centre makes accessing this type of professional training and dining experience prohibitive for many people.
“The Chelmsley Wood culinary school is an exciting, complimentary addition and the hope is that it will increase footfall to what is already a thriving communal centre.
“Visitors to the shopping centre can do their errands and then enjoy the fabulous, affordable food on offer in the dining area too, so it's win-win!"
Courses are expected to go live for the September 2025 intake.
