MINDING your manners at the dinner table and examining the role of independent restaurants were two hot topics debated in a special event at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel.

The Eastgate Street venue invited more than 100 college and university students to observe and contribute to a lively panel debate, ‘The Art of Table Manners’, centred around the evolution of restaurant etiquette and its place in modern society.

Guest speakers included national journalist and reviewer, Tony Naylor; general manager of the Chester Grosvenor Richard Grove; manager of restaurants and bars Jaime McCormack and etiquette tutor and former BBC newsreader Diana Mather.

University of Chester employer engagement co-ordinator and TEDx licensee and producer Adam Crane hosted the panel.

The audience was comprised of more than 100 hospitality students and apprentices from the University of Chester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Cheshire College South and West and Coleg Cambria.

Topics ranged from restaurant traditions to how service has evolved through the ages. The contentious issue of mobile phones at the dinner table added a little heat to the debate and the panel discussed the impact that social media has had on the dining experience. The panel debated the role of independent restaurants on the high street, the challenges they currently face and their scope for growth.

Mr Grove said: “The codes of etiquette and social interaction are constantly changing, particularly as a result of the rise of the digital age and the democratisation of fine dining.

“The debate touched on some very pertinent points, as we evaluated the role of etiquette and the ways in which the industry is constantly responding to wider societal change. It was fantastic to welcome hospitality students from across the region and invite them to join the discussion.”

The Chester Grosvenor will be hosting a series of panel events for students and business professionals throughout the year.

For more information, visit https://www.chestergrosvenor.com.