Oaklands Alumnus wins Young Chef of the Year

A former Oaklands College student has taken the prestigious winning crown in the national annual Young Master Chef Competition.

21 year old Harry Lumsdon  of St Albans studied Level 2 Professional Cookery in 2009/2010 at Oaklands College based, at St Albans Campus. 

The Master Chefs of Great Britain Young Master Chef of the Year competition is open to all chefs aged 23 years and under working in a restaurant or hotel kitchen or training at a recognised college of further education.

With competitors given just two and a half hours to produce a salmon starter, lamb shank main and a dessert of their choice – the brief is tight deliberately to encourage creativity and personal flair in making their dishes personable and distinct.

Despite leaving College three years ago, the young star has kept in contact with tutors following his career path and entry to the competition to keep them posted on his progress. 

Since the competition win, the culinary protégé has messaged them personally to thank for them for the support and influence at the beginning of his career. He is keen to share his success in the hope it will encourage more young people to explore their culinary passions.

In addition to the finalists prizes of chefs’ jacket, commemorative certificate, prizes donated by tableware specialist Villeroy & Boch and a trip to the Shetland isles, as winner Harry will also attend the Master Chef of Great Britain Annual Luncheon in October 2017. 

Hospitality and Catering Tutor Mark Sharples has been following Harry’s progress with pride since he left the College kitchens. He said: “It’s fantastic to follow our student’s progress after College as they make their way in the world – even better to see someone reach such a high industry accolade so early in their career. 

“For Harry to keep in touch and send his thanks really means a lot to all of the team here at Oakland. We are incredibly proud of him and it’s a testament to his hard work and professionalism.”

At Oaklands we’re already supporting Harry’s vision by encouraging the next generation of aspiring Chefs to put their skills to the test in our very own Young Chef of the Year Competition which will take place at Oaklands St Albans Campus on 11th February 2017. It is open to all aspiring Chefs in years 10 and 11 in the local area and is just one way we celebrate young culinary talent in Hertfordshire.