Bubble Food Celebrates 5-Year Lewisham College Partnership 2026

Key Points

• Luxury catering company Bubble Food has reaffirmed its partnership with Lewisham College for a fifth consecutive year, starting from 2021.
• The collaboration provides hands-on experience and industry insight to outstanding students in a professional, Michelin-star quality kitchen.
• Dozens of students have benefited so far, with just under ten securing employment in Bubble Food’s kitchen and events teams.
• Five students began training last year, and another five placements are planned for this year.
• Jens Nisson, director and executive head chef at Bubble Food, highlighted the inspiring nature of the work and its value in creating employment opportunities for young people in neighbouring boroughs.
• The experience starts with demonstrations at the college, progressing to guided work experience at live events, allowing organic skill development.
• Bubble Food contributes to Lewisham College’s employer advisory board, shaping the syllabus to align with industry needs.
• Kimberly Murphy, skills and partnership manager at Lewisham College, described the partnership as transformative for students and staff, offering demonstrations, placements, and employment.
• The initiative forms part of Bubble Food’s wider social impact strategy, including support for local communities and inclusive opportunities in hospitality.
• Bubble Food partners with Beyond Food (formerly Brigade) to support young people from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds through training and apprenticeships.

Lewisham, London (South London News) February 19, 2026 – Luxury catering company Bubble Food has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Lewisham College for a fifth year, underscoring its dedication to nurturing local talent and forging pathways into the luxury hospitality and catering sector. This collaboration, active since 2021, immerses top-performing students in the operations of a professional, Michelin-star quality kitchen, blending practical training with invaluable industry exposure. To date, dozens of students have gained from this initiative, with nearly ten transitioning into roles within Bubble Food’s kitchen and events teams.

What Has Been the Impact of the Partnership So Far?

The partnership has delivered tangible outcomes for students, fostering not just skills but also employment prospects in a competitive industry. Just under ten students have secured positions across Bubble Food’s kitchen and events teams following their involvement. Last year alone saw five students commence training, a momentum that the company intends to sustain with another five placements scheduled throughout this year.

As reported in the original coverage, the collaboration offers outstanding students hands-on experience and industry insight into the workings of a professional kitchen. This structured progression has proven effective, enabling participants to build confidence and competence progressively.

Why Did Bubble Food Choose Lewisham College as a Partner?

Jens Nisson, director and executive head chef at Bubble Food, explained the strategic fit of the partnership.

“Working with Lewisham College is incredibly inspiring work, and something our whole team genuinely enjoys,”

stated Nisson.

“Bringing students into our kitchens injects a fresh energy, and it’s hugely rewarding to support them as they build confidence, maturity and take their first steps into their careers.”

Nisson further elaborated on the local relevance:

“The college felt like a natural partner for the business given that it’s located in a neighbouring borough, and it has proven particularly valuable in an area where creating employment opportunities can help to make a real difference to young people’s lives. It means we can open doors for young people who might not see a future in this industry and teach them how to push the boundaries of creativity in our kitchens as well as their careers.”

This choice aligns with Bubble Food’s ethos of community engagement, particularly in South London’s neighbouring boroughs.

How Does the Student Experience Unfold in Practice?

The journey for students is methodically designed to mirror real-world professional growth. It commences with vibrant, creative demonstration sessions at Lewisham College, aimed at igniting interest in food design and event catering. Jens Nisson described these as sessions

“designed to show students the possibilities in food design and event catering.”

Enthusiastic participants are then selected by their tutors for guided work experience at live events. As skills and confidence develop, students assume greater responsibilities in a deliberately organic process. This approach allows individuals to advance at their own pace, ensuring sustainable skill acquisition without overwhelming pressure.

The hands-on element distinguishes this programme, bridging theoretical learning with practical application in high-stakes environments.

What Role Does Bubble Food Play Beyond Placements?

Bubble Food’s commitment extends significantly past mere work placements. The company holds a seat on Lewisham College’s employer advisory board, where local employers collaborate to influence the syllabus. This involvement ensures that classroom teaching equips students with the precise practical skills demanded by the hospitality sector, maintaining a seamless link between education and employment.

Such advisory contributions enable the college to adapt its curriculum dynamically, responding to evolving industry standards. By embedding industry voices directly into educational planning, Bubble Food helps guarantee that graduates are not only skilled but also market-ready.

How Has Lewisham College Benefited from This Collaboration?

Kimberly Murphy, skills and partnership manager at Lewisham College, praised the multifaceted support from Bubble Food.

“Our partnership with Bubble Food continues to go from strength to strength [and] has been transformative for both our students and our curriculum staff,”

said Murphy.

“They support the college in multiple ways – from delivering inspiring demonstrations and offering high-quality industry placements, to providing meaningful employment opportunities for our learners once they complete their qualifications.”

Murphy emphasised the broader gains:

“Through this collaboration, our students gain not only technical skills, but also confidence, professionalism and a clear vision of what is possible within the industry. Most importantly, they show up, invest their time, and create real opportunities for our students. That consistent support makes a genuine difference.”

This testimony underscores the partnership’s role in elevating both student outcomes and institutional capabilities.

What Is Bubble Food’s Wider Social Impact Strategy?

The Lewisham College partnership anchors a comprehensive social impact strategy at Bubble Food, centred on bolstering local communities, cultivating future talent, and promoting inclusivity in hospitality. This holistic approach addresses systemic barriers within the sector, prioritising underrepresented groups.

A pivotal element involves collaboration with Beyond Food (formerly known as Brigade), an organisation dedicated to aiding young people from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Through training and apprenticeship programmes, Beyond Food aligns seamlessly with Bubble Food’s mission, amplifying opportunities for those who might otherwise be sidelined. This partnership exemplifies Bubble Food’s proactive stance on social mobility.

Why Is This Partnership Particularly Valuable in South London?

In the context of South London’s diverse communities, initiatives like this hold heightened significance. Neighbouring boroughs often grapple with youth unemployment and limited access to high-skill industries such as luxury catering.

By partnering locally, Bubble Food directly tackles these challenges, as articulated by Jens Nisson: it opens doors for young people who might not envisage a future in hospitality.

The programme’s emphasis on creativity and boundary-pushing further empowers participants, instilling not just employability but also innovation. This is especially resonant in areas where economic opportunities can profoundly shape life trajectories.

How Does This Fit into Broader Hospitality Industry Trends?

The hospitality sector increasingly recognises the value of such educational alliances amid skills shortages and post-pandemic recovery. Bubble Food’s model—combining placements, advisory input, and community partnerships—sets a benchmark for sustainable talent pipelines. Nearly ten former students now employed by the company illustrate the return on investment for both parties.

Industry-wide, there is a shift towards inclusive practices, with organisations like Beyond Food gaining prominence. Bubble Food’s strategy positions it as a leader in this evolution, fostering a diverse workforce capable of meeting luxury market demands.

What Are the Future Plans for the Partnership?

Looking ahead, Bubble Food plans to maintain its support with five new placements this year, building on last year’s cohort. Continued involvement in the advisory board promises ongoing curriculum refinement. Jens Nisson’s enthusiasm suggests potential expansion: the “fresh energy” from students could inspire further innovations.

Kimberly Murphy’s comments indicate enduring collaboration, with Bubble Food’s reliability ensuring long-term impact. As part of the social impact strategy, ties with Beyond Food may deepen, potentially integrating more vulnerable youth into the fold.

This fifth-year milestone reaffirms Bubble Food’s role as a catalyst for change in South London’s hospitality landscape. By investing in local talent, the company not only secures its pipeline but also enriches the community, proving that corporate responsibility and business success can coalesce effectively.