Westminster Kingsway College wins Country Range Student Chef Challenge

Westminster Kingsway College in London has won the Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2023. 

The team of Marta Sagan, George Oakes and Jack Georgiou (pictured), who were under the guidance of their lecturer Norman Fu, triumphed in the live final under the watchful eyes of the Craft Guild of Chefs’ judges.

Students from Loughborough College came second, while the team from Ayrshire College claimed third spot. The teams had to prepare their three-course, four-cover menu within 90 minutes in front of a live theatre audience.

The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Around the World’, which encouraged the students to research different countries and be inspired by various ingredients, flavours and cooking techniques from across the globe.

As well as claiming the prestigious Country Range Student Chef Challenge crown, the team from Westminster Kingsway College won a Flint & Flame knife, an overnight stay and meal at a Michelin star restaurant, and the opportunity to experience working at the same restaurant.

All the finalists were also graded by the Craft Guild of Chefs to international judging standards, with Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit certificates awarded.

Chris Basten, head judge of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge, commented: “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 students’ 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: “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.”