Loughborough College won the Young Restaurant Team of the Year title, with Sheffield College and City of Glasgow College the other two teams competing in the final.

The Young Restaurant Team of the Year was established in 2012 and seeks to uncover exciting new talents in the hospitality industry. The competition consists of a series of heats staged around the country, with winners progressing to a grand final that is judged by leading industry specialists.

Among the judges this year were MSK Development Chef Vicky Enderson, three-Michelin-star French chef Pierre Koffman and food consultant Franck Pontais.

In the final each team was tasked with preparing and presenting a three-course dinner, consisting of a starter, main and dessert. There were 1,000 points were on offer, but there were only 50 points separating the four teams by the end of the judging process. The awards were made at a special dinner the following night.

The Eastleigh College menu was themed around French cuisine, with a salt baked celeriac and walnut croquette starter. This was followed by a main of pan-roasted lamb with black garlic and herb crust, served with a potato, prune and bacon cake. For dessert, the team presented a mousse au chocolat with a poached pear and tonka bean caramel sauce, with a freshly brewed coffee to finish.

Chair of Judges Vicky Enderson commented on Eastleigh’s performance: “The team displayed great innovation within their menu and service, their dessert in particular would grace any award-winning restaurant menu.”

The achievement caps off what has been a remarkably strong year for the three young chefs, and the hospitality department generally. Rishi won the ‘Adult Learner of the Year’ in the Eastleigh College’s own Learner Awards and reached the Major International Chefs Culinary Challenge in January.

Ed was a finalist at the World Skills final in Glasgow at the beginning of this academic year and won a silver award in butchery at the London HRC International Salon Culinaire in March.

Mia won gold in butchery at the same event and has been offered a permanent role at Lainston House, following a successful work experience stint at the residence. Rishi and Ed also currently work in the catering team at the popular ‘Inn the Park’ restaurant in Winchester.

Greg Cheeseman and Sue Lyons attended the event as mentors for the trio. They commented: “These three are fantastic representatives for our department and their passion and enthusiasm for the competition couldn’t be clearer. To compete so well against big city colleges is an impressive feat and they are worthy winners of the Innovation Award.”