The Vincent Rooms reopens after a complete refurbishment, with chef Michel Roux Jr as special guest

The Vincent Rooms, a longstanding training restaurant located in Westminster, officially reopened on the 6^th of May following a full refurbishment, with acclaimed chef Michel Roux Jr in attendance as guest of honour. The relaunch event, held at the Capital City College Group’s (CCCG) Westminster campus near Victoria and St James’s Park stations, marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to training future hospitality professionals and making a broader social impact through food and hospitality.

The Vincent Rooms, overlooking Vincent Square, is composed of three distinct spaces: the Escoffier fine-dining restaurant, a Brasserie serving seasonal dishes, and a Café and Bar. All are staffed by students of the college as part of their practical training, following standards set by awarding bodies such as City & Guilds. The college, which today counts around 35,000 students and was first opened in 1910 with the backing of culinary pioneers Auguste Escoffier and César Ritz, has a history of producing prominent chefs and hospitality professionals. Alumni include Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriott, Anthony Worrall Thompson, and recent MasterChef: The Professionals winners Tom Hamblet, Nikita Pathakji, and Alex Webb.

During the reopening, Michel Roux Jr praised the new facilities, stating: “It’s an honour to be here at The Vincent Rooms to launch the fabulous new restaurant, café and brasserie. I can’t wait to come here as a guest.”

The college’s Chief Executive, Angela Joyce, highlighted the venue’s role in professional development, saying: “The Vincent Rooms at our Westminster campus is a beacon of excellence within the college sector; showcasing how partnerships between industry and education can create a highly skilled workforce. The Westminster Diploma is the gold standard within hospitality and culinary arts, and there are many great chefs and hoteliers who are having incredible careers following their time at the College.”

Rose Wangen-Jones of London & Partners commented on the significance of the reopening for the city: “Being one of London’s best-kept secrets, The Vincent Rooms is where world-class talent is not only discovered but nurtured. Its reopening marks a notable development in the city’s culinary offer, where guests can enjoy outstanding food while supporting the next generation of hospitality stars.”

The Vincent Rooms will now offer expanded opening hours, allowing more students to gain experience and more members of the public to access its dining options. 

Food Desk

For further information and reservations, visit The Vincent Rooms’ website here.