Reading College proudly launched its new multi-million pound hairdressing, beauty therapy and hospitality complex The Salon and The Kitchen on Wednesday 11 January with Principal Lesley Donoghue giving a speech and leading a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The launch was a great success with over a hundred people attending; guests included students, staff and local employers who were given tours of the brand new facilities. Everybody enjoyed receiving mini treatments, watching student skills demonstrations and sampling delicious refreshments prepared and served by students.

Principal Lesley Donoghue said, “This was a very exciting night for us; our mission is to promote education and training for local people to help them into employment and thereby enhance the local economy. With the launch of The Salon and The Kitchen we are contributing to this bright new era for the hair, beauty and hospitality sectors in Reading and Berkshire.”

The college is dedicated to investing in skills for the community and working with local employers towards giving students the best facilities and teaching to gain relevant employability skills and training in Reading.

The Salon comprises of four state-of-the-art hair salons and four beauty treatment rooms, whilst The Kitchen has a commercial restaurant and two industry standard training kitchens.
Students can look forward to sleek, modern and well equipped surroundings along with tutors who have all had previous industry experience.

Claire Turner, Level 3 Hairdressing student, said, “I love studying at The Salon at Reading College. The facilities are first class, as is the teaching. The environment is great, everyone gets on so well and it’s just like working in a professional salon.”

The Kitchen is available to the public for lunch during the week and for evening dining on Tuesdays. The menu will be prepared by catering students under the guidance of the college’s expert chef lecturers. Prices for a three course meal start from just £8.00 and reservations can be made on 0118 955 4444.

The Salon also offers a wide range of professional treatments to the general public. All students are fully supervised by an experienced teaching team and services include cuts, manicures, facials and body treatments. Prices start from around £5.00 and appointments can be booked on 0118 955 4343