PICTURES: New pupil-run Srúbag cafe in Inverness celebrates grand opening with festive fare
Mince pies, mocktails and other festive treats were on the menu at a new pupil-run cafe in Inverness.
Srúbag, meaning 'a cuppa' in Gaelic, has opened recently at Charleston Academy.
Just before Christmas, invited guests took up the chance to enjoy festive treats created and served by the pupils at its celebratory opening event.
Srúbag is run and managed by students undergoing training in the hospitality industry, customer service and barista skills with support from Developing the Young Workforce through The Highland Coffee Academy.
The space allows various vocational courses to be run.
Lizzie Rudge, faculty head of technologies at Charleston Academy, said guests at the opening event had enjoyed the buffet created by the hospitality students and the coffees prepared by the talented baristas.
“Srúbag is a fully operational café designed to be a real working environment for our students studying hospitality in the senior phase,” she said.
“Through having this fantastic learning space, we are able to prepare students for the world of work through our vocational courses.
“So far, the café has been used for training, serving staff and parents at parents evenings and various small functions.
“None of this would have been possible without the kind and generous support of a number of local individuals and organisations.”
Those supporting Srúbag include Howdens, which donated a café counter and workspace, which was fitted for free by Ross Urquhart Joinery while High Life Highland has loaned a coffee machine.
Inverness Coffee Roasting Company has provided support, advice and helped students select a house blend, Charleston Roast Coffee.
Ms Rudge also praised the “awesome” school team which helped at every step to make the cafe a reality.
“Thanks to all these people, our students now have the opportunity to develop their skills in a real working environment.,” she said.
“Going forward, we plan to open on a regular basis for staff and senior students and to make the café space available to book for businesses and groups in the local community.”
Last month, Srúbag celebrated the success of a pupil whose inventive recipe, Haggis Fusion, has been chosen to feature on the menu at the restaurant of the Inverness Castle Experience when it reopens as a tourist attraction next year following a multimillion-pound transformation.
Combining Scotland’s national dish with a taste of Greek cuisine, it was created by Charleston Academy pupil Ally Franklin (14).
Ally’s winning dish may also be added to the Srúbag café menu.
