Ashley Young Backs *VMF*

Some more on the VMF restaurant. As a training restaurant they really do need our support in this and I must say, having been there three times now, it really is a joy to go, lovely food, great people and so nice to see these youngsters grabbing their chance with both hands and hopefully setting themselves up for life.

Anyway, our very own Ashley Young is impressed.



He told the official site:

'I think this project is massive for the club, I really do. To give opportunities to kids who normally wouldn't get this kind of chance is incredible. They are using their new skills to both serve the food and cook the food and that's terrific. I've chatted to a few of them and the feedback they are giving is that they are thoroughly enjoying the whole project. And the feedback from people in the restaurant is that it's spot on, which is really great to hear. I love the fact the club are giving these kids, who wouldn't maybe know what they wanted out of life, the chance to develop their skills and showcase their skills too. It's great that the club are doing it but it's massive for these kids, really massive."



Adding, 'I chatted to Abdul about what he's been cooking and how he's been enjoying it and he's loving it. To listen to him say that and see the smile on his face is really heart-warming."

Alison Plant, Villa's Head of Hospitality and Events, said: 'It was great to have a senior Villa player recognise the good work of this project. It has given the apprentices a real boost and made them feel part of Villa and realise that we are all in it together'.

The restaurant serves quality food, breaking the rules of tradition and formality with a wide range of influences, tapping into the varied cultures and cuisines within the area. The cost of three courses is only £25.



VMF is more than just a restaurant and the story behind the project really amazed the England international midfielder. The club is proud of its close association with people from the region which is why it's giving something back to the young people in the form of a hospitality training programme, with the 12 students selected both cooking and serving food in the unique new project. The club have partnered with the city council's Birmingham Apprenticeship Scheme and taken on the trainee hospitality students, all living within a 10 mile radius of Villa Park. The apprentices will spend two years with Aston Villa Hospitality and Events. During this time, they will be taking a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services qualification, with the club working with Walsall College as its training provider. The aim of the project is to give experience and a quality work environment to young adults who haven't been given this opportunity before.

To make a restaurant booking, Thursday - Saturday 7pm - 10pm, call 0121 326 1570. (There were a few teething problems recently, that has been rectified, so do please try again!)

SAMPLE MENU: Click Here

Ha, our very own Revd Pete is quoted on the official site about the VMF restaurant. Not one mention of the outlandishly outstanding company he was in on the night, ooooh no, just all about the food... actually, good point well made Revd!

VMF is based in the Directors area of Trinity Road and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (non match days) every week, from 7pm-10pm.

It serves quality food, breaking the rules of tradition and formality with a wide range of influences, tapping into the varied cultures and cuisines within the area. The cost of three courses is only £25.

The long-term aim is to achieve rosette level - a standard which recognises cooking at different levels across the UK.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.