Catering and Hospitality students from Newtown College have returned from an inspiring educational trip to Paphos, Cyprus, where they immersed themselves in the island’s rich food culture, heritage, and hospitality industry. For several of the students, this marked their first time travelling abroad, making the experience an especially memorable first adventure.
The trip offered a unique blend of hands-on culinary learning and cultural exploration. Students sampled traditional delights in Yeroskipos, explored the ancient mosaics of Paphos Harbour, visited Aphrodite’s Rock, and enjoyed a true farm‑to‑table experience at a local goat’s cheese farm, where they learned how authentic halloumi and anari are made. The group also travelled to Nicosia, exploring the historic old city walls, the Green Line, and the city’s vibrant shopping streets.
Highlights continued with visits to Kolossi Castle, the Church of the Holy Cross, and a local vineyard and winery, where students learned about Cyprus’ ancient traditions of viticulture. In a traditional village setting, students rolled up their sleeves for a hands‑on cookery demonstration, finishing the day with a delicious homemade meal including moussaka.
A standout experience saw students step into the professional kitchen at the Park Side Hotel, taking part in an exclusive masterclass led by the Head Chef. The group prepared classic Cypriot dishes including Afelia, paired with couscous with vermicelli and tomatoes, alongside tzatziki and keftedes, giving students invaluable insight into professional kitchens and authentic local cuisine.
Group Leader and Catering Lecturer Erika Jones praised the students for their commitment throughout the trip. “This was an amazing trip and I am incredibly proud of our students. Their behaviour, conduct, and level of engagement throughout the visit were exemplary, and they embraced every activity with enthusiasm. Experiences like this are invaluable in building confidence, skills and a real understanding of the hospitality industry,” she said.
The College extends a huge thanks to Taith for supporting this outstanding trip, and to the Park Side Hotel team and local producers for providing an unforgettable learning experience that broadened horizons and brought classroom learning to life.
