New restaurant opens in Coventry to transform young people's lives

A new Coventry restaurant which will help transform young people’s lives has been officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Metropolis, run by national Coventry training provider PET-Xi, was officially opened on Saturday, July 10 with radio presenter John Dalziel cutting a ribbon to welcome its first guests after dozens of diners pre-booked in advance of the opening.

And Coventry town crier Paul Curtis was on hand to loudly announce the opening to the public as John cut the ribbon.

Metropolis, on the site of the former Drapers Bar on Earl Street, is just a stone’s throw away from the newly-created Assembly Festival Garden – which is hosting a whole range of exciting events during Coventry’s UK City of Culture year – and is perfectly placed for visitors to the Garden to enjoy a delicious meal.

The restaurant will combine high-quality food and drink with upskilling young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) and giving them a chance to flourish in the hospitality industry.

It has already seen plenty of people pre-book after its website was launched in early July, and more bookings are expected if Covid-19 restrictions ease again in the middle of the month.

PET-Xi’s managing director Fleur Sexton encouraged diners to come along book a table, whether for a night out, a business meeting, or community groups having a get-together.

She said: “We are delighted to have officially opened Metropolis after months of preparation, and it’s fantastic that so many people have pre-booked already.

“Being so close to the amazing events at the Assembly Festival Gardens means Metropolis will be the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful meal in the city before heading over to check out some of the incredible shows on offer.

“And not only will we be serving delicious food and drink, Metropolis will be transforming the lives of young people by helping them get a foothold in the hospitality industry thanks to the qualifications they will earn.

“We look forward to welcoming diners and helping young people get ahead in their careers, and we hope Metropolis will go some way to helping fill the skills shortage in the hospitality industry at the moment.”

Under the guidance of head chef Sean Woodall and general manager Kate Maguire, new staff will be given training in all aspects of kitchen and front-of-house work.

PET-Xi will also help the trainees with general qualifications, such as in Maths and English, as well as courses in customer service and food hygiene.

Further opportunities for progress will be available to trainees who show real skill during their time at Metropolis.