A vintage tearoom is to open at Camperdown House in Dundee this weekend.
Borne from a partnership between Dundee and Angus College and Dundee City Council, college staff will create the first stage of a finishing school for hospitality students in the 19th century neoclassical mansion.
It will open for six weeks from Saturday June 27 and be operated by a dozen students from a range of hospitality and professional cookery courses along with support from college staff.
Supported by Enterprise@D&A – a European regional development fund project – it will give students experience of the local hospitality and tourism industry.
The teahouse will cater for up to 50 people at three daily sittings at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.15pm. Booking is recommended.
A non-profit enterprise, it will offer an authentic vintage experience, with high-backed leather and brocade chairs, oak tables and waitresses in long black skirts, white linen aprons and traditional headbands.
Louisa Kingham, the college’s head of hospitality, retail and tourism said: “Only some of the best of our students will be offered the chance to participate in the finishing school.
“We are convinced that those who have this opportunity will be inspired by the elegant surroundings offered by this grade A listed building, which has been described as one of the finest of its kind in the country.
“Our partnership with Dundee City Council is a stepping stone towards bringing Camperdown House back as a working building for the benefit of Dundee’s citizens.”
Will Dawson, convener of the council’s city development committee, said:“When this idea came up it was one that we were enthusiastic about and were happy to support in any we could.”