THE WINNING MENU

Starter

Deep Fried Guacamole, Guacamole Garnish and a Leche de Tigre shot

Main

Ras El Hanout Breast of Squab, Squab Pastilla, Chargrilled Tenderstem Broccoli, Ful Medames, Pomegranate Jus

Dessert

Cherry Ripe Tim Tam

In what turned out to be an incredibly close final, Loughborough College came in second place and Ayrshire College claimed third spot.

WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID?

George Oakes of Westminster Kingsway, said: “It feels absolutely amazing to have won and we’re all still in shock. It was definitely a tough challenge but we were really pleased with the dishes we put out so winning is just brilliant. It was great working as team and we’ve all grown close throughout the process so sharing the moment together is extra special. I’m not sure it will sink in for a while that we’ve won!”

Jess Howick of Loughborough College, said: “The whole experience was very enjoyable – a little stressful at the beginning but as we got into it, I think we worked well together and we were delighted with the finished dishes we put out. In all honesty, we were already happy with our performance but to claim second place was the icing on the cake.”

Samantha Stirling of Ayrshire College, said: “It was a lot of hard work and preparation but it was so much fun to be involved with and to get a silver merit badge and the third place overall was a dream come true.”

IN ADDITION TO COMPETING FOR ETERNAL GLORY, ALL THE FINALISTS WERE ALSO GRADED BY THE CRAFT GUILD OF CHEFS TO INTERNATIONAL JUDGING STANDARDS WITH THE COLLEGES RECEIVING THE FOLLOWING AWARDS:

WESTMINSTER KINGSWAY COLLEGE – GOLD

AYRSHIRE COLLEGE – SILVER

LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE – SILVER

WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE – MERIT

CAMBRIDGE

WHAT THE JUDGES AND ORGANISERS SAID?

Chris Basten, Head Judge of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge, said: “A huge congratulations to the Westminster Kingsway College team on their victory in what was a highly competitive final. The judges were unanimous in their praise of the student’s dishes which were full of flavour, creativity and skill. To cook and present food of that quality under competition conditions in front of an audience is remarkable so all they should be really proud of themselves.”

Graham Caldwell, Country Range Group Marketing Manager and Challenge Organiser, added:

“Well done to the Westminster Kingsway College team on their victory. The standard on show in the final was fantastic with some amazing dishes served up by all the students. Competitions like the Country Range Student Chef Challenge are vital in demonstrating to students what can be achieved from a career in hospitality and I think the chefs showed everyone that the future of our culinary industry is in very safe hands. The 2024 competition will launch on the 1st September so we’re already excited and gearing up for another cracker.”

WHAT THE LECTURERS SAID?

Norman Fu, lecturer of the winning team, commented: “I’m so happy and proud of the team for winning and I’m sure this is only the beginning for them as they are all very talented young chefs. It can be a pressurised kitchen to cook in with the audience and judges watching your every move but they handled it excellently and have been rewarded with the ultimate prize.”

Darren Creed, Chef Lecturer at Loughborough College, said:

“I’m honestly blown away with the team. To be first year students and competing at this level is an achievement in itself but for them to stay so calm, collective and work together as a team under intense pressure was incredible to see. They certainly have big futures and hopefully will be back next year to go one better.”

Annmarie Farr, Chef Lecturer at Ayrshire College, said:

“I am absolutely delighted to see Iwona, Claire and Samantha get the Silver merit badge from the Craft Guild of Chefs and take third place in the Country Range Student Chef Challenge. It’s such a prestigious, highly regarded competition so I’m privileged to have been part of their journey and the memories they will have made.”