Three students from the college’s professional chef diploma competed at the BIFM Catering SIG where the chef student finalists were crowned ‘live’ on the night following the final cook off which was judged by three acclaimed hospitality industry specialists.

The three finalists, Erin Yates, Simon Young and Sophie Botting, competed in the final with 3rd year professional chef diploma student Sophie Botting crowned the eventual winner.

Rik Razza, Head of chef development at BaxterStorey and chief judge, said: “The winning student Sophie Botting’s two dishes demonstrated the quality of talent being developed at Westminster Kingsway College.

“All three students possessed great technical skills and had an impressive and organized work ethic, making the overall judging a challenging task. However the combination of practical culinary skills coupled with wonderful flavours and crisp presentation of Sophie’s dishes proved the winning factor.”

The student chefs were required to cook and present a two course meal for two covers within three hours and the menu had to reflect a modern British/modern European theme, consisting of a main course and a dessert.

Alexandra Roberts, programme manager for full-time chef courses at Westminster Kingsway College, said: “This student chef competition was a fantastic challenge for our students and gives them the opportunity to showcase the skills that they have learnt at a live cook-off event.”

Westminster Kingsway College has an excellent reputation within the hospitality and catering industry and famous former students include Jamie Oliver. The college is recognised as a leading provider of education and training in the UK.