Brockenhurst College hosts Craft Guild of Chefs competition for local schools

Brockenhurst College hosted the annual Craft Guild of Chefs competition for local schools on Monday.

Six contestants from four local schools were given 1.5 hours to produce a two course balanced menu of either a starter and main or main and dessert. The students were judged on their presentation, hygiene, seasoning and timing.

The competition was judged by Adam Hart, Senior Chef de Partie and Lucy Jones, professional restaurant service competitor and Brock Alumni, both from the Chewton Glen Hotel, and the College’s Head of Hospitality John MacArthur.

Winner Amy Van Oostrum from Yateley School, beat off tough competition from five other Year 10 & 11 students, who were from Mountbatten, Ringwood and Ballard secondary schools.

Amy took first place in the Master Chef-style competition with her oriental sushi and sweet and sour chicken with roasted cashew nuts, followed by a lemon mousse with shortbread biscuits.

Judge Adam Hart said: “Overall the standard of food was fantastic. Some of the dishes were especially stunning – just like you may find in your local bistro.”

Lucy Jones gave advice to the students: “Just enjoy it and take out of it what you can. Competitions like this are such a brilliant opportunity to gain social skills and to meet people.”

Head of the Hospitality Department, John MacArthur said: “We are so pleased to have hosted another successful event with such excellent students involved. “Well done to all those who took part. It takes courage and they all did exceptionally well,” he added.

Each student who took part in the ‘cook off’ received a prize and certificate, whilst the winner and runners up were presented medals from the Craft Guild of Chefs.