This year more than 150 chefs, judges and colleges attended the competition, which took place at Central Bedfordshire College between 28-29th May 2024.

Over the two days an incredible 39 Gold Awards were granted across multiple categories such as Burger Challenge, Lamb Main Course, Risotto, Bakery Skills, Decorative Display Piece, Afternoon Tea Pastries and Asian Plate Awards.

Chef Oscar Ready from World Skills displayed his skills and took home three Gold Awards for Essential Cuisine, Burger Challenge and Hot Salmon categories.

Whilst Chefs Deborah Ayammiyi, Kudzaishe Chapendama, Chioma Aneke, Alexandru-Marian Gadioi, Ankrah Keziah, Tawanshe Chikwanha, Orekoya Oludarasimi, Myleene Evans, Sapna Ladher and Aiyemohase Dami were all awarded two Gold Awards each for their Bakery Skills and Afternoon Tea Pastries.

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Now in its 26th year, the BCC is an important event on the culinary calendar. It’s a brilliant and supportive platform for student chefs to experience their first competition and offers classes across a broad spectrum from hot to cold.”

This competition and classes were open to both junior and senior competitors. In addition to the main categories there was an additional award each day for hygiene, sponsored by Eco Delphis.

The competition was split into six categories: Live Hot, Live Cold, Restaurant, Display, Bakery and Food Photography. These are judged independently with standards of Gold, Silver, Bronze and merit awarded to those that reach the relevant specification. Awards were made to the standard achieved.

The standards are:

• Gold Award - 90% or more
• Silver Award - 75% or more
• Bronze Award - 65% or more
• Certificate of Merit - 55% or more