The competition is part of a series of culinary salons held at colleges around the UK from as far a field as Northern Ireland. The Major International Culinary Challenge, in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, gave competitors the chance to show off their skills. There were 125 entries from all different levels, ranging from school pupils aged 14 through to College students at Level 3.Christopher Basten, executive chef from The London Marriott Hotel and Competitions Director at the Craft Guild of Chefs said: “The standards were very high this year, they just seem to keep getting better – a huge thanks must go to the chef lecturers.” The Westminster Kingsway College Culinary Arts and Hospitality team were very successful with an overall medal tally of 15 gold, 19 silver, 18 bronze and 6 merits. In addition to this huge achievement, there were several outstanding individual results including 5 ‘Best in Class’ titles and 3 ‘Silver in Schools’. Madeline Thompson, 2nd Year Professional Chef Diploma student and Liam Kavanagh, 3rd Year Professional Chef Diploma student both won ‘Gold Best in Class’ awards. Madeline said, “There were many local colleges offering similar courses however I chose Westminster Kingsway College as it was clearly the best. I have learnt so much in the two years I have been here and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute.” Simon Stocker, senior chef lecturer at Westminster Kingsway College said: “I would like to thank the whole of the team, both lecturers and support staff for their immense efforts in making this such a successful salon.”