A TV legend has unveiled a brand-new restaurant at a prison in Staffordshire.

The Right Course, a charity which helps prisoners to gain hospitality skills and qualifications, has opened its new restaurant 'Flavours Unlocked' at HMP Drake Hall, a women's prison near Eccleshall.

First Dates maître d' Fred Sirieix founded the charity which transforms staff restaurants in prisons into high street-like businesses using existing facilities and equipment.

Prisoners working at 'Flavours Unlocked' will be provided industry-standard training, recognised qualifications and direct links with employment.

This means they are more likely to secure work when they leave prison, reducing reoffending.

"It's up to our new learners to seize this opportunity."

The programme will provide a new supply of trained staff to the hospitality sector, helping cut long running shortages.

Hotel group Hilton has contributed expert trainers and shared its practices to ensure participants are trained to the highest possible standard.

The scheme has also received funding from the Government's £1.5m Hospitality Fund operating over 2026-27, with additional funding to support training from the Government's new Hospitality Grant Scheme.

On 2 November, Fred Sirieix attended the grand opening alongside Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, as well as other prominent leaders trying to improve people's lives and the hospitality industry.

Fred Sirieix said: "By working in partnership with industry leaders like Hilton, and the prison regime, we are creating the right environment for our learners to turn their lives around, to gain the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to positively contribute to society.

"I want our graduates to be the best so that our employer partners snap them up and see them as valued members of their team.

"It's up to our new learners to seize this opportunity."

Catherine McKinnell, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, said: "Prison must be a punishment, but it must also give offenders the tools to turn their backs on crime for good.

"Education and employment are vital to that mission, and programmes like The Right Course show what can be achieved when prisons, charities and businesses work together to help offenders build better lives .

"That means fewer people reoffending, fewer victims and safer streets."

Header images via Alecsandra Dragoi / BIST and Graham Burnett on Geograph