Westminster Kingsway College’s roll call of alumni includes Jamie Oliver and Antony Worrall Thompson, both of whom learned their trade here. During term time, the relaxed Vincent Rooms and more formal Escoffier Room offer outsiders the opportunity to see (and taste) how today’s hopefuls are progressing – of course there are bound to be mishaps, but most people are happy to overlook any shortcomings in return for enthusiastic cooking at bargain prices. Eclectic flavours abound in the canteen-style brasserie, with starters such as soft-shell crab with mango salsa preceding pan-fried sea bream on crab-and-chilli risotto or an open lasagne of duck livers and wild mushrooms. The cooking is more refined next door, although Escoffier would be surprised to see the likes of roast venison with black pudding and violet potato, quince, grelots and blackberry sauce on the multi-course tasting menu (£25).