Foxholes Restaurant at Runshaw College, The Atrium at University College Birmingham and The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College have been named as the three shortlisted finalists.
Garry Baldwin, senior hotel and restaurant inspector with the AA, said: “The students and lecturers involved have shown an incredible drive and enthusiasm to showcase their college restaurants, which made the judges decisions really tough.
“The quality of entries proves that the recognition from this award is essential to highlight the incredible work that colleges do in providing excellent learning environments for future generations of hospitality professionals.”
In order to be considered for the shortlist, students and lecturers from colleges that have been accredited by People 1st and those that have been awarded an AA College Rosette, competed in a day-long series of activities at the Lancaster London hotel.
These included creating a balanced menu, designing a cocktail recipe and an interview by a panel of judges. Colleges were also asked to produce a 90 second video advert to promote their college restaurant.
In addition, Jason Atherton gave an inspiration talk and the finalists went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lancaster London hotel with manager, Florian Broemel, and executive chef, Ben Purton.
Martine Pullen, director of membership and consulting at People 1st, added: “Working in partnership with the AA on this inaugural award has given our accredited colleges an additional opportunity to be recognised for the excellent work done in their restaurants and the dedication of the lecturer and student teams that run them.
“We are delighted that this award has generated so much interest and were impressed by the extremely high quality of entries across the colleges. Well-deserved congratulations to everyone that took part.”
The winner of the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards held on 26 September 2016 at the Grosvenor House Hotel.