Upton-by-Chester High School canteen to become world cafe

Dec 17 2009 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

A SCHOOL canteen shut its doors this week to make way for a new ‘world cafe’.

Pupils at Upton High School were asked to either bring in a packed lunch or obtain sandwiches at the school while the work got under way so the modern facility can be ready in the new year.

Headteacher Jane Holland said the doors to the hall have been unlocked all week so students who wanted to eat in the warm can do so.

She added: “The school dining hall hasn’t been touched in 25 years and it’s very old-fashioned.

“It’s not a pleasant place to go and have something to eat.

“The new room will have a high street cafe feel. It’s going to feature pictures from around the world of food production.”

Ms Holland added she wanted to get the new facilities in place as soon as possible.

She said: “We could have put off the refurbishment until Easter.

“We’re creating a very positive facility for the school and rather than keep them waiting for a whole term, we made arrangements for this week.

“The students are fine with it.

“Any student who is cold has access to the building. There is no question of students being shoved out in the cold.”

Ms Holland admitted ‘a couple’ of parents had complained but said they had been told their children had access to the school hall.

The world food theme will further develop Upton High’s humanities status, which was achieved last year.