STUDENTS from Minehead’s Aurora Foxes hospitality college and training hotel were this week serving afternoon tea in the iconic Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London.

A pop-up tearoom opened in The Waldorf Hilton to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel group’s partnership with Aurora Foxes.

The Minehead students, who have learning disabilities, prepared and served afternoon tea for Hilton guests who were also entertained with a performance by blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini.

The tearoom gave the Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the occasion.

The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet shop flavours and Aurora Foxes colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside hotel executive head chef Malcolm Camilleri.

Students visited the hotel ahead of the launch to help design the menu and service, while hotel leaders provided training at Aurora Foxes, strengthening the two-way partnership.

The collaboration between Waldorf Hilton and Aurora Foxes has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in Hilton roles.

A long-standing partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with nearly 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the association’s ‘WorkFit’ programme.

Aurora Foxes principal Mark Costello said: “When people with learning disabilities see others like themselves thriving in customer-facing roles, it inspires confidence and ambition.

“By providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, Hilton is transforming lives, challenging perceptions, and breaking down barriers in the wider community.

“Our work together is about creating a society where everybody has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.”

UK and Ireland Hilton senior vice-president Stephen Cassidy said: “Representation matters, seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity

“Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management.

“They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience.

“By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everybody feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.”

Waldorf Hilton food and beverage assistant Sam Innes said: “Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief.

“I have always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that.

“Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance.

“It has boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent.

“Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe they can do it, too.” 

More Waldorf Hilton afternoon tea public sittings will take place on July 2 with tickets priced at £49.50 which can be booked by emailing to [email protected].