September 2025
Bumper roundup: a summer of success at Birmingham College of Food
By Sean Madden, Melanie Hall and Claire Huggins
Share post:Read time: approx 5 mins
It's been a sizzling summer, but over the last few months the college of food has been red hot with activity.
Across an exciting and successful spell we've seen numerous awards nominations and ceremonies, alumni showcasing their skills around the world, pupils take part in culinary skills sessions, and even the opening of a new cookery school!
Read on to find out what's been happening around the college...
Students celebrate win at Young Restaurant Team of the Year
Great work by students on our Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) degree who excelled while representing University College Birmingham at the annual Young Restaurant Team of the Year awards.
Competing against four other colleges in the grand final, they managed to scoop three trophies. Congratulations to the team!
New outreach initiative sees college of food host school ‘Have a Go’ sessions
School pupils in Birmingham have had the opportunity to taste life in a professional kitchen, as chefs from the college of food rolled out 'Have a Go' sessions in professional cookery, bakery and patisserie, and food and beverage services.
With tailored, interactive sessions in school and the chance to use state-of-the-art facilities on the University's campus, pupils are able to get a unique flavour of life as a professional chef.
UCB nominated for two national innovation awards in culinary arts
More nominations! This time at the annual Innovation Awards, where we're in the running for ‘Education Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Creative Industries Innovator of the Year’ (for culinary arts).
The awards began in 2021 and highlight exceptional commitment to innovation across individuals, organisations, and businesses.
The ceremony will take place in November, and our fingers are firmly crossed for the teams!
Students and apprentices bag nine medals at culinary competition
This year's International Salon Culinaire at London's Excel Centre saw UCB students walk away with nine medals across a number of categories.
Part of the Hotel and Restaurant Catering Show, the competition provided a real test of food and drink preparation skills for our students - a challenge they rose to with aplomb!
Sarah soars as 2025 student ambassador for global food supplier
Sarah-Jane Farrow has been selected to be an ambassador for Dawn Foods UK & Ireland for her commitment to the craft of baking, understanding of current trends and challenges in the industry, and exciting ideas for new products and recipes.
The appointment is part of an ongoing partnership with University College Birmingham to support young people hoping to forge a career in the bakery industry.
Former RACA chef apprentice wows Alpine resort guests alongside MasterChef winner
Two college of food alumni came together in a picture-postcard Swiss ski resort to showcase their skills in a surprise gourmet dining experience.
Professional chef and former Masterchef: The Professionals champion Dan Lee was reunited with former RACA Apprentice Maisy Wilby at Verbier Experience near Mont Blanc, and the pair created an Asian-inspired menu that wowed everyone involved.
Culinary school with free cooking courses to open in Chelmsley Wood
Situated in the Chelmsley Wood shopping centre, at the heart of the community, the purpose-built culinary school will be offering FREE courses that have been created with local people in mind.
Courses on offer will provide the perfect introduction to working in the dynamic hospitality industry or starting down the path to becoming a professional chef, and will suit those at the beginning of their careers or refresh their existing experience and skills.
University College Birmingham is a leading provider of specialist training for the food and hospitality industries, with students learning in our award-winning training restaurant and industry-standard kitchen facilities, as well as having a wealth of opportunities to put their skills to the test in prestigious national and international competitions.
Discover our full range of courses within our Birmingham College of Food.
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