Star Bistro - No ordinary bistro...
Star Bistro, a new and exciting Ullenwood restaurant is celebrating Highly Commended as ‘Newcomer of the Year’ in the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2012.
Open to the public, it is a Bistro that is bright and open plan. With ‘The Cotswold Chef’, Rob Rees at the helm, the menus offer delicious bistro-style lunches and puddings, freshly made teas and coffees and delightful home-made pastries (as well as special catering for meetings and events).
The dining experience is one of exceptional quality and value for money and, like all good eateries working with fresh, local and seasonal produce, Star Bistro adapts its menus daily according to the finest ingredients available. You will rarely find more than 10 speciality dishes at once.
So, why the ‘no ordinary bistro’ tag?
Did we mention that all of the chef brigade and front-of-house team have a disability of some kind?
And, did we also mention that by visiting Star Bistro, not only will you have a delightfully ‘different’ dining experience, but you will also make a huge and positive difference to some-one’s life?
Star Bistro provides sustainable income for National Star Foundation (the charity behind National Star College) and gives students like Joe Cook the chance to develop skills in preparation for future employment.
Located at National Star College on The Cotswold Way, why not visit for a spot of lunch and a relaxing country walk? And know that you are making a difference…
Joe's story
“My brain tumour took my life away.”
Joe Cook, 19 year old student, at the National Star College is studying Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC) Level 2 First Diploma in Performing Arts including a work experience placement.
"Some people don’t think disabled people are any good. I want to prove that I can do it right and all my colleagues want to do the exact same. "
Six years ago, Joe Cook developed a perilous brain tumour. He almost died five times and had five life-saving operations as a result, spending six weeks in a coma and two years in rehabilitation afterwards. Before his tumour, Joe was fully active with no disability. Now, Joe has complex disabilities including problems with his eyesight and hearing as well as ataxia (issues with his balance, co-ordination and speech). Joe’s last six years have been very tough.
In July, Joe will complete a BTEC in Performing Arts (Level 2) at National Star College. Alongside his main qualification, Joe has undertaken a work experience placement for which he is employed at Star Bistro. A real and safe learning environment, Star Bistro has enabled Joe to nurture a whole range of new skills, improving his confidence, self-esteem and maturity; the first steps towards him being able to gain future employment.
"I’ve learnt how to speak to customers in a professional way. I’m nice to them but I don’t speak to them like I would to my friends. After all, they are not my friends and I am here to do a job."
Joe is a real asset to the Star team and has contributed immensely to the restaurant’s first few months’ trading, inspiring both the staff and students that work with him. He will definitely be missed when he leaves.
“Working in Star Bistro is ‘truly inspirational’. I get ‘that feeling’ here that I don’t get anywhere else. I can be me.”
Joe has ambitious plans for his future and is not letting his disabilities stand in his way. He wants to study a Vocationally Related Qualification in ‘Professional Chef and Restaurant Skills’ at Thames Valley University and, although not currently competent enough, he plans to further develop his skills in a cafe near his home in London in preparation for the course in the next couple of years. He is determined to achieve his aspirations.
Working at Star Bistro has inspired Joe so much that he would ultimately like to run his very own cafe. And, we have no doubt that he will make it happen.
The Bistro is open Monday-Friday 11am-4pm. To reserve a table, always recommended, call 01242-535984
Star Bistro
National Star College
Ullenwood
Cheltenham
GL53 9QU
www.starbistro.org
Twitter - @starbistro
How to find Star Bistro: Follow signs to National Star College, park in visitors' car park and follow signs to Star Bistro and Reception
Star Bistro is a joint initiative between National Star Foundation (the charity behind National Star College) and The Wiggly Worm charity.