While coronavirus restrictions continue to pose a threat to the hospitality industry, a Newcastle-based bistro owner is working to support local young people into employment.
As the country faces new restrictions, limiting the opening hours of hospitality venues, it is feared the sector could soon face mass redundancies.
But Mandeep Walia, owner of Café 1901 in Jesmond, Gosforth and Manors is offering catering students the chance to kick start their career with employment and work placement opportunities.
Mandeep, 34, said: "It's good to be able to give hope to people looking to start out in hospitality.
"Particularly at the moment people could feel worried about whether they've chosen the wrong industry and with businesses closing even work experience is hard to find."
The former Gateshead College student has hired several staff members from the catering course she completed, including 24-year-old Josh Gray and 19-year-old Harry Douglas, who recently secured a job as a chef at the bistro in Jesmond.
She has helped students with little experience to progress and feel confident in their work, and created a diverse workforce that she feels is representative of the communities she serves.
Mandeep added: "Everyone needs to start somewhere.
"I believe everyone deserves a chance at real life work experience, especially those who dedicate time, money and energy into pursuing a career.
"We enjoy nurturing and providing opportunities for people, especially if they’ve specifically trained for their role."
Since opening in 2014, Café 1901 has specialised in providing locally sourced, homemade food and drinks.
And despite being in the midst of a pandemic, it has remained open throughout the last six months to provide essential groceries after many day-to-day items became scarce.
She added: "Business is not just about making money, it's about being a part of the community and giving back to them in the same way they have supported the business."
