The Old Mess at HMP/YOI Hindley is the latest addition to The Right Course portfolio, officially opening its doors on 19 May 2026 following months of planning, development, refurbishment and learner training.

Although The Old Mess only recently opened, The Right Course’s focus has always extended far beyond the restaurant itself. From the outset, our priority has been to create meaningful employment opportunities by equipping learners with the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to secure sustainable careers upon release.

Funded by the Department for Business and Trade and NFN Academies, and delivered in partnership with NOVUS, the project provides learners with the opportunity to achieve hospitality NVQ qualifications while gaining invaluable experience in a professional working environment. Every service helps learners develop the technical abilities, workplace behaviours and customer service skills that employers across the hospitality industry are looking for.

Alongside their practical training, employment support is already well underway. Learners are receiving one-to-one guidance to help them prepare for life beyond custody, including support with CV writing, interview preparation, identifying career goals and understanding the wide range of opportunities available within the hospitality sector. By building confidence alongside practical skills, we aim to ensure each learner is ready to take the next step into employment.

The 28-seat restaurant provides an authentic hospitality environment where learners prepare and serve high-quality coffee, homemade cakes, freshly made sandwiches and seasonal specials, all while working to industry standards. This real-world experience helps bridge the gap between training and employment, enabling learners to build both competence and confidence.

Looking ahead, we are expanding our programme of employer engagement, with industry masterclasses, guest chef demonstrations, careers events and employer networking opportunities already in development. These initiatives will give learners the chance to meet hospitality professionals, hear first-hand about career journeys, understand employer expectations and begin building relationships that can lead directly to employment after release.

At The Right Course, we know that qualifications alone are not enough. By combining accredited training with personalised employment support and direct engagement with industry, we are helping learners at HMP/YOI Hindley develop the skills, resilience and confidence to build successful futures in hospitality.