We were delighted to see over 90 Hospitality and Catering students from across the region take part in the 2024 Inter College Culinary Competition.
This year’s competition was held in the industry-standard training kitchens and Aspire Restaurant at City College Southampton, part of South Hampshire College Group.
A new record of 7 local colleges attended: students from SHCG’s City College Southampton, Eastleigh College and Fareham College were joined by Basingstoke College of Technology, Brockenhurst College, City of Portsmouth College, and New College Swindon.
Their culinary skills were put to the test in a series of heats, where they prepared street food, pasta and rice dishes, vegetable cuts, and new forest strawberry desserts.
Other heats required their front of house skills, with rounds in professional table lay-up, cocktail/mocktail making and liqueur coffee preparation.
The timed competitions gave students the opportunity to showcase their individual talents, build confidence in high pressure situations, and experience the fast-paced feel of careers in the industry.
Allistair Craig, chef at the Montague Arms, Beaulieu, was one of the judges. He commented: “There was a very high standard of work today, even higher than what I saw last year.
“But what I particularly noticed was the enthusiasm from students. You could tell they were really passionate about the work they were doing, which is so important for their future careers. I have confidence they will go far.”
After all the day’s heats and judges’ careful deliberation, students were presented with their awards.
South Hampshire College Group performed very well, with several students across our three colleges winning bronze, silver and gold medals, plus 4 ‘Best in Class’ awards for veg cuts, cocktails, rice and strawberry dishes.
City College Southampton also received:
· Best Overall Front of House Student – Molly Taylor
· Joe Abbess Memorial Award (Best Overall Kitchen Student) – Jeremaya Cerbera
· Overall College Winner
Lecturers and students from City College Southampton were thrilled to hear the judges recognise their superb effort.
Jo Pangelly, Curriculum Director, said: “Our students remained incredibly calm, professional and upbeat in a very stressful environment, competing against so many other colleges. There was nothing but positive comments from the judges, sponsors, and other lecturers – we’re so proud of them all.”
Winner Molly Taylor added, “I feel amazing, I spent a lot of time planning and practicing for this competition and I’m so happy to have won.”
A huge thanks to all of the judges, sponsors, college staff and students that helped make the event such a success and enjoyable for all.
