Finalists were required to prepare and present their dishes within a four hour timescale. Lewis will be going to on a ‘great adventure’ – upskill sessions organised by NOWAH. The runner-up was Erin Whipp of Leeds City College.

The judges include Claire Clark, Thomas Leatherbarrow, Shona Sutherland, Michelle Gilliot Stuart McLeod, Barry Johnson and Daniel Ayton. The judging criteria was: flavour 30%, presentation 25%, innovation 15%, hygiene 10%, working method 20% and a maximum of ten points for each was deducted for wastage and timings.

Additional prizes and winners:  

• Best Restaurant Dessert: Harshveer Singh Sehgal of Westminster Kingsway College
• Best use of Puff Pastry: Claudiu Zlate of Birmingham University College
• Best Petit Fours Amedei: Amy Phillips of Cheshire College-South West
• Best Use of Tilda Jasmine Rice: Natasha Duff of Farnborough College

Clark said: It’s a privilege to be asked to judge the prestigious 2024 Young Pastry Chef of the Year Award. I feel honoured to be part of the incredible judging panel and this inspiring competition lead the by the legend Murray Chapman.

“Eight finalists, craft skills galore and the relatively calm kitchen at UCB. Only one winner but everyone has earned their place in the finals. It’s so important to keep these competitions alive and the talent recognised.”