About
The Vincent Rooms is a trio of restaurants in the heart of Westminster. Housed within Capital City College, Westminster centre, the Vincent Rooms are made up of the Escoffier, the Brasserie, and the Cafe. These are the training restaurants for the college’s school of hospitality and culinary arts, and it is staffed by students who are in training, where they hone their skills by preparing and serving meals to the public.
The Escoffier, Brasserie and Cafe are available to hire for events such as lunches, dinners, celebrations, business events, and conferences.
A strong legacy in culinary arts
Over 100 years ago, a group of experts came together to create a school for professional cookery. Among them were famous names like Auguste Escoffier, Cesar Ritz, Isadore Salmon, and Baroness Burdett-Coutts. At the time, many of London’s top hotels, including The Ritz (1906) and The Goring (1910), were opening, creating a demand for skilled chefs and hospitality staff.
In 1894, Westminster Technical Institute was set up in a building provided by Baroness Burdett-Coutts. It first offered courses in engineering, construction, and cabinet making. In 1910, under Principal J. Stuart Ker, the Cookery Technical Day School was launched. By 1912, its course list spanned four pages and included a School for Waiters.
The goal of the school was to inspire students in culinary arts and science. To help them gain real-world skills, a training restaurant was created. Today, this restaurant is known as The Vincent Rooms, a place where students refine their craft while serving the public.
Growth and innovation
Between the wars, catering and hospitality courses grew. In 1932, Dr G. N. Long took over as Principal, leading to major expansions. New kitchens, cold rooms, and pastry areas were added. A two-year course for hotel managers was introduced, strengthening the school’s reputation.
In 1951, The Vincent Rooms expanded, and in 1953, the Escoffier Room opened, named after the great chef Auguste Escoffier. More kitchens and a wine cellar followed, allowing students to gain hands-on training in both cooking and fine dining service.
A century of excellence
In 2010, the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts celebrated its 100th year. As part of the event, HRH The Prince of Wales visited the college, meeting staff and students, including a group from the Prince’s Trust.
By 2012, the school introduced state-of-the-art teaching kitchens. These included the Baroness Burdett-Coutts Kitchen for international culinary students, a culinary science lab, and a chocolate lab. In 2019, the Escoffier Room was redesigned with modern features while keeping its historic charm, thanks to contributions from industry sponsors.
Looking ahead
Today, Capital City College’s Westminster centre is a leader in culinary training. Our two restaurants continue to serve top-quality food, following the high standards set by Escoffier while also meeting modern dining needs.
We focus on sustainability, education, and excellence. Our students learn not just cooking, but also food science, service, and technology. With a strong history and an exciting future, we remain committed to shaping the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals.
Alumni
The Vincent Rooms at Capital City College have a long-established history of helping all students achieve their dreams, going on to become experts in their field, including household chefs and culinary experts.
