Twelve aspiring young chefs gathered at Westminster Kingsway College to compete for the coveted title of Springboard’s FutureChef Winner 2014, having earned their place in the National final by mixing, stirring and chopping their way through local and regional heats held across the country. They were selected from 8,200 entrants aged 12 to 16 who entered Springboard’s FutureChef competition.
The challenge
The finalists had to prepare two restaurant-quality dishes from a selection of fresh ingredients in just two hours, and it was Anna Carmichael (Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, Liverpool) who won the North West regional heat, who was announced as the deserving winner.
Anna impressed judges with her enthusiasm, skill and the menu choice of: Lamb Shoulder, Pan Fried Lamb, Pulled Lamb with pistachio and mint crumb, Butternut Squash, New Potatoes, Spinach and Shallot puree. She followed this with Chocolate and Raspberry plate of warm chocolate and raspberry fondant, raspberry syllabub.
Anne Pierce, Chief Executive, The Springboard Charity said: “To bring together Springboard’s network of experienced chefs, FutureChef alumni and our hospitality partners in this way ensures that we as an industry, continue to inspire young talent to learn about food and cooking as well as gaining valuable experience about career opportunities in this great industry.’’
Celebrity Chef, James Martin, added: “You can see that these young people have really listened to their mentors, but they still had to deliver under pressure and that’s impressive. Overall the competitors have delivered a really high standard and presented us with some standout dishes.”
2nd Place went to: Meganne Shearer
3rd Place went to: Jordon Powell
4th Place went to: Rick Owens
Full list of Finalists:
- East of England – Henry Mathews
- East Midlands – Isobel Coombs
- West Midlands – Carl Ridsdale
- Wales – Bronwen Jenkins
- South West – Katie England
- North East – Connor Blades
- South East – Jordon Powell
- London – Rick Owens
- Central and South Scotland – Rebecca Ramsay
- North Scotland – Meganne Shearer
- Northern Ireland – Christine Graham
- North West – Anna Carmichael
Judging Panel:
- David Mulcahy – Head of Judges – Craft and Food Development Director Sodexo UK & Ireland
- Hayden Groves – BaxterStorey and National Chef of the Year
- Adam Degg – Head Pastry Chef – Wild Honey Restaurant
- Vivek Singh – Executive Chef – Cinnamon Club, Kitchen and Cinnamon Soho
- Sophie Wright – Food Writer and Owner – Sophie Wright Catering
- Alan Bird – Chef Patron – Bird of Smithfield
- Hayley Cancea – FutureChef Winner 2013
- Simon Stocker – Chef Practitioner – Westminster Kingsway College
- Steve Munkley – Executive Chef – The Royal Garden Hotel
- Brian Turner – FutureChef Chairman