At a glittering awards night at JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Exeter College pipped the other two short-listed finalists – Milton Keynes College and Cardiff Vale College.
Judges said the Exeter training restaurant ‘provides students with an outstanding opportunity to bring their practical skills to life, increase their confidence, and allow them to embrace a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture with the industry’s workforce’.
The restaurant serves lunch Monday to Friday and dinner on Wednesday and Thursday, plus it provides a bistro service on Tuesdays.
Paul Carne, head of hospitality at Exeter College, said: “Winning the AA College Restaurant of the Year is testament to the amazing passion of the staff and students at Exeter College.”
Speaking at the awards night, Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, praised the UK’s hospitality sector generally for its resilience and innovative spirit in 2025.
“This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality. The teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication. Congratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders – your achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.”