NPTC Group of Colleges is finalising plans to take over a former public house and restaurant in Brecon town centre.

The Bank, which is adjacent to y Gaer and opposite Watton Mount, which are both part Brecon Beacons College, will become a training ground for students entering the world of hospitality and catering.

The plans include the refit of the building which will re-open as a silver service restaurant run by the College students under the direction of experienced staff.

The College has planned to introduce hospitality and catering back into the curriculum since they were removed prior to the merger of Neath Port Talbot College and Coleg Powys in 2013. 

The College already runs two successful training restaurants, Blasus at Neath College and Themes at Newtown College, which are both open to the public. The College also runs the Pavilion, a successful restaurant and sports bar which is based on the College campus in Llandarcy.

CEO Mark Dacey said the plans would not only provide great opportunities for students, but also be of benefit to the community and other establishments who need to appoint quality, industry trained staff. 

He said: “Hospitality and catering are fourth for the highest employment in the county. There are 4,000 jobs in accommodation and food service activities which is 8.7 per cent of the population against a UK average of 7.5 per cent (Nomis 2021), however, there has been too few opportunities for formal hospitality training in the south of the county.”