Young chefs and waiters put to test

The College played host to some of the brightest young stars in the restaurant industry when it hosted the regional final of the Young Chef Young Waiter competition recently.

Sixteen young chefs and waiters, aged between 18 and 24, from hotels and restaurants across the country battled it out for a place in the national final of the competition, organised by The Restaurant Association.

Waiter Julia Coverdale, 22, from city centre restaurant Opus was flying the flag for Birmingham, having previously trained at the College.

Competitors took part in a variety of tasks during the day to test their food, wine and cooking skills. Judges included top chefs and leading personalities from the food service industry, including College food and beverage co-ordinator Rob Smith, who helped to assess the waiters.

Bill Farnsworth, Director of Catering and Bakery Studies at the College said: "We were delighted to host a regional final for the Young Chef Young Waiter competition.

"It is an important event for young industry professionals to showcase their skills and it is an inspiration for our students to see the enthusiasm and skills level needed of their peers in a competition environment."