New kitchen floor at SEH

Over the Christmas break, the Estates team project managed the replacement of the College’s retro 1970’s kitchen and servery floor, bringing it into line with modern standards and providing a fresh new look for our student community.

The existing red quarry tiles were installed when the kitchen was built and opened in 1971. Back then, these tiles were the ‘go to’ choice for commercial kitchens, but over time they can crack and the pointing between the tiles wears away.

Our Executive Head Chef Sam White and Estates Manager Steve Lloyd worked together to find a product that would be hard-wearing, comfortable underfoot, safe to use and food hygiene compliant.

The project started with the removal of the majority of the kitchen equipment. Grills, brat pans, mixers, fridges, freezers, prep tables, dishwashers, it was a pretty big list. From then our contractor spent five days on site laying the new resin floor. Finally on day six, the equipment was reinstalled, ready for the College to reopen on 2 January.

The change from red quarry tiles to a blue resin floor may have gone unnoticed to many, but this represents a big change for the kitchen and servery teams and ensures the floor remains safe and compliant for years to come.

Thanks to Sam, Molly and their teams for their preparation work and help throughout the project.