Royal Oak

The Royal Oak Hotel Hosts Immersive Hospitality Work Experience for Denbighshire Students

On January 23, 2025, twelve high school students from Denbigh High School and Ysgol Dinas Brân stepped into the world of hospitality at the historic Royal Oak Hotel as part of the Tourism Talent Pathfinder project. This initiative, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, is designed to reshape perceptions of tourism and hospitality careers by providing young people with real-world experience, industry insight, and direct connections to employers.

Students were welcomed into a dynamic learning environment, where they met the dedicated Royal Oak team, followed by an introduction from Sian Humpherson (Group Business Development Manager). They then participated in an engaging session led by F&B Operations Manager Cath Gabriel. Cath, whose responsibilities include recruitment, menu development, and staff training at the Royal Oak, discussed various service styles and hosted an interactive Q&A, giving students a real-world glimpse into the art of guest service.

Following this, students embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel, which showcased the intricate operations that ensure every guest receives exceptional service. The tour highlighted the hotel’s rich heritage while emphasizing its modern commitment to local sourcing and community values. The Royal Oak’s accolades, including an AA Rosette for the Llugwy River Restaurant, Hotel of the Year 2008, an Investors in People award (2010), and a 4-star AA grading (2024), stand as a testament to its enduring excellence.

Students also engaged in a service shadowing session alongside Cath and Katie, offering a practical demonstration of the daily operations, including taking orders, serving drinks, and the meticulous setup of dining spaces.

With a team that prides itself on friendly, relaxed, and efficient service, and backed by a strong ‘local first’ ethos, the Royal Oak Hotel continues to be a beacon of excellence in North Wales. The immersive work experience provided an invaluable opportunity for these young learners to develop their practical skills in the industry and envision a future in hospitality.