By Claire Boden
Villa Park's newest restaurant, VMF [Villa Midlands Food], has received the full support of chairman Randy Lerner.
VMF is a training restaurant that gives local young adults the opportunity to work with Aston Villa Hospitality and Events to gain a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services.
After some time in the making, the unique project opened its doors to the public for the first time last weekend and was a hit with dining guests.
Villa's Head of Hospitality and Events, Alison Plant, has paid tribute to the backing she has been given from within the club.
"Randy (Lerner) and Paul (Faulkner) have been really supportive," she said. "They have been involved along the way in all of the planning process and been kept updated.
"It has been an idea we have wanted to do for some time. It is a unique concept where we are working with young people and we are helping them become chefs and front of house staff."
The 12 local youngsters enrolled on the project have acquitted themselves commendably and Alison has high hopes for the students.
"They are doing really well and are having a great time," she continued. "It has been a big change for them but they are getting to grips with it really well and we are very proud of their progress.
"It has been one of the best things I have ever been involved in during the years I have been at Villa Park. I am looking forward to seeing them come through and hopefully they will all pass their NVQ at the end."
The VMF restaurant is based in the Directors Suite in Trinity Road and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 7pm-10pm.
A three-course meal is only £25.
To make a restaurant reservation, please call 0121 326 1570.
