The catering and hospitality sector in Guildford
The county town of Surrey, Guildford is located 27 miles (43 km) southwest of London on the A3 trunk road — roughly halfway between the capital and Portsmouth and right on the doorstep of the undulating Surrey Hills. As somewhere that offers a perfect balance between rural and city life, it’s one of the best places to live in England.
With roots in Anglo-Saxon times, Guildford is an ancient town with a proud history. Guildford Castle, Surrey’s only royal castle, stands aloft in the heart of the town. The remains of what is thought to be the oldest synagogue in Western Europe were discovered under the High Street in 1995. The first recorded reference of cricket being played in England was in Guildford in the 16th century. And if that’s not all, the renowned codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing spent his formative years here.
The town has quite the history, but a thriving local economy and high quality of life are propelling it headlong into a bright future. An upscale shopping mall, attractive high street and rustic farmers’ market make Guildford a major retail destination. It’s also been accredited with Purple Flag status thanks to its safe and diverse night-time economy — which includes a fantastic entertainment and dining scene. For ambitious individuals in the catering and hospitality trade, the many bars, restaurants and cafes of Guildford are something of a goldmine.
Education is also a major source of income and pride. The town hosts a number of world-class private schools, including Guildford High School and The Royal Grammar School. The University of Surrey, based in Guildford, is currently ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK — some feat for a town of only 80,000 people. With 2,300 administrative staff and a student population of 16,000, the university is a key catering and hospitality employer.
For catering and hospitality professionals, salaries are among the most competitive in the region.
If you’re looking to up your kitchen game, Guildford is home to a number of chef training opportunities. Guildford College, for example, provides a range of catering & hospitality courses in the town.
