Francis Green FHCIMA.MI

For anyone considering studying at LMC, my message is simple: I chose well and my distinguished career is the result of me selecting Lancaster & Morecambe College to kick start my career in Hospitality and Catering.

Francis's journey into hospitality began at Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC), where he studied on one of the Catering courses, full-time for three years back in 1965. The training he received gave him a strong foundation for a career in hospitality and led to senior roles in some of London’s leading hotels and restaurants.

I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College because I valued the smaller, more personal environment of its catering school. Compared with some of the larger colleges in places such as Blackpool and Bolton, LMC felt more individual and supportive. That close-knit setting made it an ideal place to develop both my practical ability and my confidence.

Cooking had always been a passion for Francis, and one of the most enjoyable aspects of his time at LMC was turning that passion into professional knowledge and skills. He learned how to work effectively in a professional kitchen while developing the discipline, confidence and high standards expected in the hospitality industry.

A particular highlight of my time as a student was being named 'Student of the Year' in both 1967 and 1968, those achievements reflected the commitment and ambition that the tutors at College helped me to develop.

His time at LMC also inspired Francis to continue developing professionally. He went on to complete his HCIMA finals at Ealing College, which later became Thames Valley University and, following a rename and reorganisation in 2011, the University of West London. He is now an Honorary Professor there. Since leaving College, Francis has built a distinguished career across five luxury London hotels, holding senior leadership roles including:

• General Manager, The Landmark London
• Hotel Manager, Royal Lancaster London
• Director of Food and Beverage and Banquets, The Grosvenor House
• General Manager, Quaglino’s
• Deputy General Manager, The Waldorf

My biggest achievement since leaving College, as well as building a distinguished career within the London hospitality industry, I became a Fellow of HCIMA, a Master Innholder and a Freeman of the City of London.

Now retired, Francis looks back on his time at LMC as the starting point for everything that followed.

For anyone considering studying at LMC, my message is simple: I chose well and my distinguished career is the result of me selecting Lancaster & Morecambe College to kick start my career in Hospitality and Catering.