February 2024
Student chefs win England double bronze medals at world's biggest culinary competition
By Melanie Hall
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Student chefs and alumni from University College Birmingham have once again taken the podium after going up against scores of other countries in the biggest, toughest and most diverse culinary competition in the world.
The National England Junior Team – made up mainly of students and graduates from the University’s Birmingham College of Food – brought home double bronze medals from the 2024 Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany.
Skippered by our very own Birmingham College of Food chef lecturers Mathew Shropshall and Richard Taylor, the six-strong team was coached by Elliot Lawn, who studied professional cookery at Level 3 and degree level at University College Birmingham.
Mathew said: “Over the past 12 months, our current and former student chefs, plus young chefs from around England, have practised and trained in the University kitchens to go up against chefs from 20 countries in the world's biggest team culinary competition.
“It was an honour to, once again, represent England and we are very proud of the time, commitment and professionalism shown by all the young chefs. To bring back double bronze medals is fantastic.”
"We are very proud of the time, commitment and professionalism shown by all the young chefs. To bring back double bronze medals is fantastic.”
Mathew added: “With support from the British Culinary Federation (BCF), we are committed to maintaining and training a team of young chefs who can continue to compete, both nationally and internationally, at these prestigious events."
British Culinary Federation president Peter Griffiths said: “The senior and junior teams should be proud of their achievements in what is a tough competition arena. The hard work and commitment by all has been exceptional.”
In pictures: The National England Junior Team
This year’s IKA Culinary Olympics was an exhilarating display of culinary masters and top teams from around the globe, with more than 1,200 chefs from some 55 nations taking part in this world culinary event. The 2024 senior England team won double silver medals at this year's event, which takes place every four years inbetween the Culinary World Cup.
Dishes prepared by the England junior team at the competition in Stuttgart
Culinary Olympics 2024: The National England Junior Team
Rebecca Bourne, chef lecturer at Walsall College – studied Professional Cookery Level 3 / Hospitality Business Management BA (Hons)
Jade Mitchell, pastry chef at Michelin-starred Simpsons restaurant, Birmingham – studies Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons)
Oliver Grieve, chef at The Wilderness, Birmingham – studies Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons)
Sam Young, chef at 2 Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire – studied FdA Professional Chef
Luke Jeffs, chef at Hickory’s restaurant – studied Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons) and is now a Dietetics MSc student
Alahgi Jadama, chef at Michelin-starred Restaurant Gastonomique Christian Tetedoie, Lyon, France - studied Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons)
Supported by:
Mathew Shropshall, chef lecturer and vice-chairman of the British Culinary Federation and World Association of Chefs' Societies – team manager
Richard Taylor, chef lecturer and World Chefs England celebrated pastry judge – team manager
Elliot Lawn, private dining chef at Wilson Vale Contract Catering Company - coach - studied Level 3 Professional Cookery / FdA Professional Chef
Kristian Curtis, head chef at De Banke Group - mentor
Claudio Zlate, studies Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) – chef support
Lewis Thompson, chef at Bella Italia, London headquarters – chef support
Support from sponsors and industry
Peter said: “Without the support of the team sponsors and industry, we would not get the opportunity to compete at this world event, promote our wonderful British produce and relish in our very successful history to date. “Both teams were very proud to represent their country and the British Culinary Federation.”
This year’s team was sponsored by University College Birmingham, Hobart, The Menu Partners, Goodfellows, Wrapmaster, Major International, Premier Foods, Exclusive Ranges, Savoy Educational Trust and Kentaur.
Special thanks was also paid to Direct Seafoods London, Owtons Butchers, Brital Foods, Lake District Dairies and Wearer Tech.
University College Birmingham's acclaimed Birmingham College of Food is a leading provider of specialist training for the food and hospitality industries, with students learning in our award-winning training restaurant as well as having a wealth of opportunities to put their skills to the test in prestigious national and international competitions.
England junior team awards roll call
- Culinary Olympics 2016 – Silver/Bronze
- Culinary World Cup 2018 – Double Silver
- Culinary Olympics 2020 – Silver/Diploma
- Culinary World Cup 2022 – Silver/Bronze
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