Young chef champion announced

08 February 2016

Aspiring chefs were put through their paces at the College’s annual Young Chef of the Year competition.

Youngsters from local schools were invited into The Stables’ kitchen to prepare and cook a mouth-watering array of starters, mains and desserts, all under the watchful eye of the judges.

This year’s judging panel were Deputy Mayor of St Albans Cllr Gill Clarke, Lussmanns’ head chef Nick McGeown, The Stables own head chef Martin West and local food columnist Becky Alexander.

The competitors and their families then had a tense wait while the judges tasted each dish and deliberated on who should be crowned champion.

After much discussion, Rebekah McLaren from Tring School in Pitstone was named the winner for her delicious tomato broth with pesto bread.

The runners-up were Raqiya Nadeem from Denbigh High School in Luton for her superb chocolate soufflé and Florence Turtania from The Priory School in Hitchin for a stunning haddock and poached egg dish.

The Stables’ head chef Martin West said: “It was an extremely tough decision as the standard of this year’s entries was so high. The technical ability of all the competitors was very impressive and I’d be proud to have of them in my kitchen.”

Find out more about The Stables Restaurant here: Dining at The Stables