Talented young chefs went head to head at Loughborough College this week, just one step away from the chance to win a national culinary crown.
Ten hopefuls from local schools showcased their cooking skills at the Springboard FutureChef East Midlands 2015 regional final, with the hope of a place alongside winners from across the country in a London showdown next month.
After 90 tense minutes during which competitors had to cook a main course and dessert for two with a budget of £10.00, Max Faulkner was declared the winner.
The 13 year old, from Lutterworth High School, took first place with his menu of Sea Bass with Parma Ham, Potato Rosti and Celeriac Puree followed by Lemon Tart.
A team of judges included Riccardo Corbinzolu from Wilson Vale and Loughborough College’s Adrian Todd, who said: “All the menus looked superb and I enjoyed tasting every one. It was exciting to see the talent on show and an honour to be asked to judge such accomplished young chefs.”
Loughborough College Programme Area Lead for Hospitality, Travel and Aviation Darren Creed added: “We have been working with Springboard on this competition for many years and it goes from strength to strength. It is very important to young people in the area. We had a student reach the national final in London last year, which was a great achievement. The quality and calibre of the food really is outstanding.”
Youth Programmes Manager for the nationwide culinary initiative for 12 to 16 year olds Sophie Green said: "Springboard's FutureChef was developed as a result of research into young people's ideas about the hospitality industry which revealed that young people really admire high-profile and celebrity chefs yet surprisingly few genuinely consider a career as a chef. Springboard's FutureChef provides teachers and young people with a wonderful insight into the wealth of career opportunities that the hospitality sector has to offer.''
Competitors included, Phoebe Redman from The Deepings School, Samantha Carter from Catmose College, Caitlin Haywood from The Joseph Whitaker School, Katie Ordoyno from Arnold Hill Academy, Adam Miller from Outwood Academy Valley, Emily Gupwell from Tudor Grange Academy School, Katie Cribb from Belper School and Sixth Form Centre, Max Faulkner from Lutterworth High School, Heidi Lloyd- Williams from Robery Smyth Academy and Mary Welton from Welland Park Academy.
The 2015 initiative culminates on the 23rd March 2015, with the National Final taking place at Westminster Kingsway College in London.
Pictured: Max Faulkner at Loughborough College after winning the Springboard Future Chef East Midlands 2015 title