Young Chef Competition 2025

The Rotary Young Chef competition, sponsored by Filippo Berio, gives entrants the chance to develop their culinary skills and be judged by leading industry professionals.

Entrants plan and cook a two-course meal (main course and dessert), develop their food presentation skills, and gain experience in high-pressure situations.

On Thursday 5th December 5 pupils from Kibworth Mead Academy took part in the local competition organised by the Kibworth and Fleckney Rotary Club.  They all had to plan a 2 course meal, main course and dessert, buying all ingredients and listing and costing them in their time plan for the day, not to exceed £18.  They all had 2 hours to prepare from scratch, showing various different cooking skills, whilst keeping their preparation area clean and tidy.

Judged by our President, Elaine Vandelli; Natalie Woolman and Ben the head chef, both from the Wheel and Compass, Weston-by-Welland the prize winners were:

• 1st Aggie Wells
• 2nd Joseph Dangar-Edward
• 3rd Lizzy Burbeary.

16 year old Aggie Wells produced with a stunning menu of cod loin wrapped in prosciutto, served with prawns, roasted cherry tomatoes served on a light creamy sauce. Her dessert was individual lemon meringues made with a very light Italian pastry. 

Aggie will now be entered into the district competition to take place at Loughborough College on 22nd February 2025.

The winner of the Rotary Young Chef National Final will receive a prize of a two-day trip to Tuscany, which includes cookery classes to learn the secrets of regional Italian cooking.

Please see page below for further details