15 July 2026
South Metropolitan TAFE is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone, 50 years of Bentley Pines Training Restaurant, which has been training and inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
To mark this occasion, South Metropolitan TAFE hosted a special anniversary dinner attended by more than 50 guests, including current staff, industry partners, Governing Council members, former students and staff and special guests Jodie Hanns MLA and Zaneta Mascarenhas MP.
The event recognised the contribution of students, staff, employers, alumni and industry partners who have helped shape Bentley Pines Training Restaurant over the past five decades. The dinner provided an opportunity for current students from across South Metropolitan TAFE to showcase their talents and the skills they have developed through their training.
Event planning and preparation
Throughout the planning, preparation and delivery of the event, the students were guided and supported by their lecturers to create a beautiful menu and to provide a memorable service. Cookery students prepared a delicious 5-course set menu celebrating Western Australian produce for guests to enjoy, while Hospitality students delivered exceptional service throughout the evening. Diploma of Event Management students assisted with planning and coordinating the event, Patisserie students created a sugar-blown swan for each table, and Floristry students designed the beautiful floral centrepieces.
The celebration was a reminder of the long and rich history of Bentley Pines Training Restaurant, with speeches from former staff and students, a commemorative display of memories and the sharing of stories from those who have been a part of the restaurant’s journey over the years.
Training hospitality professionals for 50 years
As an award-winning training restaurant located at South Metropolitan TAFE's Bentley campus, Bentley Pines provides an interactive learning environment where students gain practical skills and industry experience by preparing and serving food in a live restaurant setting, which is open to the public.
For 50 years, the restaurant has connected students, industry and the community, helping graduates build the skills, confidence and professional experience needed for successful careers in hospitality, tourism and events.
Today, Bentley Pines continues to evolve alongside industry trends, offering a wide range of contemporary cycle menus, modern facilities and an upgraded training kitchen that reflect current industry standards and practices.
The restaurant is supported by a diverse and experienced team of chef lecturers, each bringing unique industry experience and perspectives. Together, they deliver high-quality training that prepares students for rewarding careers in a dynamic industry.
Did you know?
Favourite dishes through the decades
One of our chef lecturers, who has been with SM TAFE for 18 years, says the most popular menu item in the 70s and 80s was the prawn cocktail. This was followed by surf and turf in the 80s, and chicken schnitzel in the 90s.
A royal visit
In July 1979, Princess Anne visited Western Australia as part of an official trip for the Save the Children Fund. She concluded her Australian tour in Perth and had a special luncheon at the Bentley campus (previously called the Bentley Technical College).
Find out more
As Bentley Pines Training Restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary, it remains committed to providing outstanding training experiences and supporting the future of hospitality in Western Australia.
To learn more about the restaurant, view the current menu or to make a booking, visit the Bentley Pines Training Restaurant webpage.
Interested in a career in cooking, baking, events or hospitality? South Metropolitan TAFE offers a range of training options to help you develop the skills and knowledge to get started in the industry. Visit our Hospitality, Tourism and Events page to explore our courses.
Our hospitality, cookery and events students played a key role in our Bentley Pines 50th event.
SM TAFE Vocational Student of the Year Emily speaking at the event.
Acting Executive Director Hospitality Mike Burgess talks about the history of the restaurant.
Looking back through the eras.
In 1979, Princess Anne visited Western Australia as part of an official trip for the Save the Children Fund. She had a special luncheon at our Bentley campus (previously called the Bentley Technical College).
Guests at the beginning of the function.
Historical photos take us on a walk down memory lane.