Students win through to final

STUDENTS at Warrington are proving they can stand the heat in the kitchen after reaching the final of a top catering contest.
The youngsters from Warrington Collegiate have been selected as one of the final five contenders in the UK’s most competitive student catering competition, the Nestlé Toque d’Or.
The competition, which boasts James Martin and Jamie Oliver among past competitors, sets teams of students the challenge of creating and running their own restaurant, with a panel of experts judging them on every minute area of their concept, service, food and presentation.
To help the students sharpen up their culinary skills in preparation for the final showdown, Michelin Star chef Will Holland from the world-renowned la Becasse in Ludlow dropped into the college to see them in action.
The collegiate has already beaten off competition from a raft of other colleges, initially at the demanding national heats and then in a demanding semi-final round.
For the Grand Finals the students have created the whole concept for their restaurant and will be judged on everything from the food they serve to the design of the menu.
Judging will take place at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday June 18, with the college’s team having to pull out all the stops with a three-course meal designed to whet the judge’s appetites.
Course lecturer Dan Turner said: “Reaching the final of such a prestigious, internationally renowned competition is testament to the hard work and dedication which the students have put in, but we know we’ll have to keep incredibly focused if we want to walk away with the prize.
“It was amazing for the students to meet a top chef like Will Holland and see where their future career could lead them if they have the determination to succeed. His visit was exactly the confidence boost we needed to pose a real threat to the other contenders”