England beat Wales in Battle of the Dragon culinary clash

England’s junior national culinary team – made up completely of UCB students and alumni – was breathing fire at the weekend, beating Wales in the newly-launched Battle for the Dragon culinary clash.

The talented team rose to victory at the competition between the two countries, held at the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo Menai, Rhos-on-Sea.

The coveted trophy was presented following a two day-cook-off between the two nations, where each team had to prepare and cook a three-course meal for 90 people.

The England team, comprising UCB Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) student Jack Gameson, pastry chef at Warwick Castle, and alumni Gregory Evans, chef at The Westbury, Nathan Lane from The Ritz, and Angelina Adamo, chef at Park Restaurant, Yorkshire, won over judges with a meal featuring halibut, venison and orange.

Their starter comprised farmed pan-roasted halibut with langoustine croquette, radish and cucumber salad, Romanesco and langoustine veloute, followed by a main of venison loin with potato gateaux, fennel puree, cabbage, sweetbread boudin, sautéed wild mushrooms and port sauce.

For dessert, the team impressed judges with a delicious chocolate and orange mousse with citrus sponge and iced blood orange.

Team manager and UCB chef lecturer Matthew Shropshall, who worked alongside team captain Edward Marsh from the Manor in Wiltshire, said the win was a fantastic practice run for the England team’s appearance at the Culinary Olympics in Luxembourg in November. 

“Winning last weekend’s Battle of the Dragon, a fiercely fought contest, is a great confident boost for the team as they get closer to the really big one in November,” he said. “The stops are now all out to perfect our artistry in international cuisine and bring home a gold medal for the first time in the England team’s history.”

The Welsh International Culinary Championships are organised by the Culinary Association of Wales and the main sponsor is Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s department representing the food and drink industry.

Find out more about the wide range of courses available at UCB’s College of Food.