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Major skills on show in top catering competition

L-R: Kevin Dove, Andrew Bood, Brian Eastment, Phoebe Gallen, Nick Lewis.

Hospitality and Catering students cooked up a wonderful feast of dishes as they competed to impress judges from the Craft Guild of Chefs at the Major Series Culinary Competition at the end of April. The event was held at Hartlepool College of Further Education for the second consecutive year, due to its professional level kitchens serving both catering courses and the College’s Flagship Restaurant.

The College and New College Durham went head to head over a series of challenges involving both live and static display dishes, along with the highly coveted Two Course Class, which offers a winner and runner-up a place in the competition finals held at Hotelympia in 2018 at the London Excel Centre. 

Many of the Hartlepool College students had only joined their courses in September, but they were able to tap advice and experience from a small minority of entrants who had also competed last year. However, all taking part displayed the criteria demanded by the judges of high standards, focus and drive towards their own learning and development. One of the judges, Alan Colley, Business Development Manager from Major International, was thrilled with the standard of skill and talent that was demonstrated by the students, and he also praised the excellent kitchen and restaurant facilities Hartlepool College was able to provide. 

There were various medals awarded on the day, with honours split between both competing colleges. Medals and certificates were handed out by Hartlepool College Assistant Principal Steve Wallis, who also enjoyed sampling many of the dishes. Corrine Winwood from HCFE was awarded gold in the Static classes with her stunning demonstration of patisserie and a gateau, and also took home an additional award of ‘Best in Class’. 

The Two Course Culinary Class competitors who will now go on to the national finals were both from Hartlepool College. Winner Andrew Bood is Head Chef at Ingleby Golf Club and is currently studying NVQ L3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, with second place going to Hospitality and Catering student Phoebe Gallen. Phoebe is no stranger to representing the College on a major stage, having recently achieved bronze at the Great Hospitality show finals 2017 at the Birmingham NEC in January. 

Major Int - Inter College Competition 2017

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