News and insights

Ooh la la! Parisian chef gives masterclass in French cooking to UCB Professional Cookery apprentices and Chef Lecturers

Chef lecturers and apprentices at UCB were taught the crème de la crème of sophisticated French cuisine last week in a masterclass delivered by Phillippe Baillergeant, esteemed chef at the Jean-Drouant Hotel School of Paris.

News and insights

Professional cookery students get a masterclass in venison

Professional cookery students were given a masterclass in venison by a deer stalker and a visiting head chef.

News and insights

Gemma is Professional Beauty Awards finalist

UCB Theatrical & Media Make-Up lecturer Gemma Richmond is a finalist in the Professional Beauty Awards 2015 for Make-Up Specialist of the Year.

News and insights

Megan is a Tabasco hot chef

Level 3 Professional Cookery student Megan Connor was named runner-up in the Tabasco Street Food Challenge 2014.

News and insights

Professional cookery students learn how to get ahead

Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma students begin their first term back at UCB with an informative talk from a BA Culinary Arts Management (CAM) student.

News and insights

Workers boost their skills with Professional Development Diploma

UCB has been working in partnership with the Pupil Support Service of Birmingham Local Authority to provide a Diploma in Professional Development (Special Educational Needs) for people working in the child education sector.

News and insights

Student chef Yasmine set to appear on BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals

A talented chef studying at University College Birmingham is set to appear on the new series of MasterChef: The Professionals – and has encouraged fellow students to embrace such opportunities in the culinary industry.

News and insights

The heat is on to find Young Chef of the Year

On Friday 21 February, the UCB kitchens were hotting up as Wing Yip, the UK's leading Oriental superstore, held the heats for Young Chef of the Year for the second year running.

News and insights

UCB serves up chef apprenticeships

Simpsons restaurant is looking for two new apprentice chefs to learn while they earn in their Michelin star kitchens.

News and insights

Barchester Homes 'Chef of the Year' heat

Barchester Homes used UCB's kitchen facilities to host their competition for 'Chef of the Year' award 2014 as part of their annual care awards.

News and insights

Michael West is Young Chef of the Year finalist

Level 3 Professional Cookery student Michael West made the final of the British Culinary Foundation (BCF) Young Chef of the Year 2014.

News and insights

Chef Shropshall to mentor FutureChef finalists

UCB chef lecturer Mat Shropshall will mentor the winners of the local Springboard FutureChef competition to prepare them for the regional final.

News and insights

UCB welcomes leading Swedish chef

Top Swedish chef Douglas Spiik has been sharing the secrets of his success during a two-day masterclass at UCB.

News and insights

Professional Cookery students rustle up sweet treats with Michelin star chef

A group of 10 Level 2 Professional Cookery students have been rewarded for outstanding hard work with a masterclass on patisserie with celebrated pastry chef Anthony Audebard.

News and insights

UCB wins top student award at Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

University College Birmingham has scooped the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or, the nation’s top student culinary and restaurant service award.

News and insights

Professional Cookery students enjoy an action-packed Activity Week

Professional Cookery students at UCB were treated to a packed programme of classes from industry experts last week, in a half-term break with a difference.

News and insights

UCB attempts record-breaking fourth win at Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

University College Birmingham is on the verge of making history as it seeks a fourth win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or competition – something no catering college in the UK has done before.

News and insights

Duo share showstoppers with professional bakers as ambassadors for global supplier

A duo of Bakery and Patisserie Technology undergraduates will get to share their own showstoppers and ideas with the world’s professional bakers after being selected as this year’s student ambassadors for global supplier Dawn Foods.

News and insights

Jack hits the heights in Young Chef of the Year final

A UCB student is celebrating a top three finish in the prestigious British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year 2015 competition.

News and insights

UCB celebrates record-breaking win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or Competition

Success! UCB celebrates record-breaking win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or for the fourth year in a row.

News and insights

Former star boxing student gears up for fight night professional debut

Carl Fail, who trained at University College Birmingham’s Boxing Academy, has the gloves on to make his highly-anticipated professional debut in the ring.

News and insights

UCB Mat Shropshall is finalist for Chef of the Year 2014

UCB's Mat Shropshall will be having his skills put to the test as a finalist in the British Culinary Federation's (BCF) Chef of the Year Award 2014 – which is being held in the university kitchens today.

News and insights

Tutors to receive raft of benefits in new partnership with top professional body

Teaching staff for further education students at University College Birmingham are set to receive an array of professional development opportunities thanks to a new partnership with the Society for Education and Training (SET).

News and insights

April Bloomfield is Best Chef in New York

Top New York chef April Bloomfield has won the award for Best Chef in New York at the James Beard Awards.

News and insights

Student Elliot makes BCF Young Chef of the Year final

FdA Professional Cookery student Elliot Lawn has been named a finalist of the British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year competition.

News and insights

Success for UCB's Jack Gameson at the Young Chef Olympiad

UCB is delighted to announce student Jack Gameson has been successful at the prestigious Young Chef Olympiad in India.

News and insights

Renowned chef awarded Honorary Fellowship by UCB

Renowned chef Brian Turner was among six outstanding candidates to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship at this years' graduation at UCB.

News and insights

UCB student is Oriental Young Chef of the Year

Culinary Arts Management degree student Joseph Vinten is celebrating after winning Wing Yip 'Oriental Young Chef of the Year' competition which took place at UCB.

News and insights

Indian celebrity chef praises "world-beating" UCB

An acclaimed celebrity chef from India made a whistle-stop tour of UCB’s food education and training facilities – and declared them world class.

News and insights

Chef Goldsmith's top ten turkey tips

Chef lecturer Gary Goldsmith turns top turkey guru to guide you through the perfect way to prepare your Christmas dinner this year.

News and insights

UCB Chef Lecturer awarded Master of Culinary Arts

Anthony Wright, a senior Chef Lecturer at UCB's College of Food, was given the official title of Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) at a lavish gala presentation dinner at Claridge's Hotel last night.

News and insights

MasterChef champion and entrepreneurial ex-student share stories with trainee chefs

A former MasterChef champion and an entrepreneurial College of Food alumna came onto campus to share their experiences with future chefs studying at University College Birmingham.

News and insights

UCB student wins second at prestigious Young Chef of the Year Peru competition!

Culinary Arts Management student Ryan Sharpe has beaten students and industry professionals from all over the UK to come second in the Young Chef of the Year Peru competition, which was held this month at Westminster College in London.

News and insights

Supercook Sanjeev Kapoor praises UCB chef training

Indian supercook Sanjeev Kapoor made a special visit to University College Birmingham – and hailed it a place where culinary dreams come true.

News and insights

TV chef Glynn Purnell and SORTEDfood's Ben Ebbrell back search for UCB Young Chef of the Year 2018

Celebrity chef Glynn Purnell and internet cooking star Ben Ebbrell have been unveiled as judges for the final of University College Birmingham's Young Chef of the Year 2018.

News and insights

Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards

A University College Birmingham graduate picked up the 'Best Newcomer' accolade at Birmingham Hospitality Association awards.

News and insights

UCB trained top chef at "Restaurant of the Year" for 2015

Former UCB student Brad Carter is celebrating after he scooped the title of Readers' Restaurant of the Year from the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015.

News and insights

UCB confers honorary fellowship on Michelin-star chef Glynn Purnell

Michelin-star chef Glynn Purnell swapped his chef whites and toque for a gown and mortar board when he was conferred with an honorary fellowship by University College Birmingham.

News and insights

Emily crowned University College Birmingham Young Chef of the Year 2017

A schoolgirl whose chocolate dessert would "grace any restaurant" has been crowned University College Birmingham's Young Chef of the Year 2017.

News and insights

College student chef and culinary arts professor recognised at national awards

An “exceptional” student and a chef lecturer devoted to his protégés from University College Birmingham both won top accolades at this year’s British Culinary Federation (BCF) annual dinner and awards.

News and insights

UCB chef lecturer lands place at final of "highest honour" awards

UCB chef lecturer Anthony Wright is on the brink of making history after making it through to the Master of Culinary Arts 2017 final, an award described by its director – executive chef at The Ritz John Williams - as…

News and insights

Louis lifts the title at inaugural Student Chef of the Year contest

A brand new competition featuring some of the brightest young chefs in the country has been won by a talented student from University College Birmingham.

News and insights

Student chef receives medal from celebrity chef after dazzling at global competition 

Culinary Arts Management student Oliver Grieve has come away from a global competition basking in medal glory.

News and insights

Hunt for UK's Best Oriental Young Chef is Back for 2015

Leading Oriental grocer Wing Yip has launched its annual search for the UK's top Oriental Cookery Young Chef.

News and insights

Burnt Chef Project aims to help students fight mental health stigma

Students took part in a special seminar with speakers from the Burnt Chef Project, focused on raising awareness of mental health issues in the hospitality industry.

News and insights

Acclaimed chef shares ingredients for competing on flying visit to UCB

A packed room of culinary students listened in awe as world-renowned American chef Phillip Tessier relayed his mind-blowing experience of leading the US to victory in the Bocuse d'Or.

News and insights

Student chef Rohan takes runner-up spot in prestigious Toque d'Or competition

Rohan Bragg, a Birmingham College of Food-mentored student working towards his Professional Chef foundation degree, took away the runner-up prize in the grand final of this year's prestigious Nestlé Toque d’Or.

News and insights

Local families cook Jamaican dishes with expert chef in university training kitchens

University College Birmingham’s training kitchens provided the backdrop for a community culture cooking session where more than 70 families got to roll up their sleeves and learn how to make Jamaican dishes with an expert chef.

News and insights

UCB student serves prize-winning poultry at British Turkey Student Chef competition

Angelina Adamo, Professional Cookery student at UCB, has beaten tough competition from around the UK to come second in the British Turkey Student Chef of the Year Competition.

News and insights

Acclaimed Birmingham chef Aktar Islam made Honorary Fellow

Aktar Islam, a driving force behind the city’s ever-growing food scene, has been made an Honorary Fellow of University College Birmingham.

News and insights

Star chef hails Young Chefs Academy as relaunch set to inspire next generation

A celebrated young chef from University College Birmingham has welcomed the relaunch of a long-running culinary programme that will help inspire future food stars amid the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

News and insights

Student chef Killoran ready, set, mango for Zest Quest Asia grand finale

A talented student chef from University College Birmingham has made the finals of this year’s Zest Quest Asia Tilda Challenge.

News and insights

Trainee chef can't wait for Ritz stage after winning Student Recipe Challenge

A young student chef from Solihull has won the chance to work under executive chef John Williams MBE and his team at The Ritz in London in a competition judged by a BBC Great British Menu champ at University College…

News and insights

Former UCB chef and pastry students take top spots in Craft Guild Graduate Awards

Former UCB students Ieuan Davies and Ben Cowley dazzled the judges on their way to securing places in the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards hall of fame.

News and insights

Graduate named Young Chef of the Year as College of Food quartet star in BCF final

Four young chefs from University College Birmingham have showed their culinary class after going head-to-head in the final of a national cooking competition – with one taking the top prize.

News and insights

Aaron McLaughlin wins Wing Yip Oriental Cookery Young Chef of the Year 2017

A talented young chef from the Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn has won the coveted title - Wing Yip Oriental Cookery Young Chef of the Year 2017.

News and insights

Great British Menu star to judge student chef contest in tribute to former principal

A BBC Great British Menu champion is to judge a new competition at University College Birmingham – in tribute to former principal Eddie McIntyre CBE and designed to inspire young chefs as the industry recovers from the pandemic.

News and insights

Former RACA chef apprentice wows Alpine resort guests alongside MasterChef winner

A former Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) apprentice worked with MasterChef winner and ex-student Dan Lee to create a gourmet dining experience for guests at an exclusive Swiss chalet resort.

News and insights

Community cooking to care home kindness – celebrating our chef, bakery and hospitality student heroes

From cooking meals for the community to working tirelessly in care homes, students from across University College Birmingham's College of Food and Hospitality Management have been doing far more than valiantly adapting to online study during lockdown.

News and insights

Chef graduates who found love on degree make Britain's 100 best local restaurants

Tropea Italian restaurant has been named among Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants in the Good Food Guide - and it all started with a love story at University College Birmingham.

News and insights

UCB chefs in the running for Young Seafood Chef of the Year 2015

Professional Cookery students Timothy Jones and Bozhidar Ivanov are perfecting their cookery skills in preparation for the grand final of Young Seafood Chef of the Year 2015 after winning a regional heat at City College, Norwich.

News and insights

Luke is a star chef in the making

Level 3 Professional Cookery student Luke Dcaccia has gained valuable work experience in the kitchens of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.

News and insights

Chef lecturer Richard prepares for Chef of the Year finals

Richard Dutton, Chef Lecturer at UCB’s College of Food, has been selected for the final round of the British Culinary Federation (BCF) Chef of the Year award. He will be joined by fellow chefs from some of the most highly…

News and insights

Star student chef Luke scoops bronze at International Young Chef Olympiad

A University College Birmingham student beat off competition from dozens of top young chefs around the world to claim a bronze medal at the International Young Chef Olympiad.

News and insights

Top chef and UCB graduate donates book collection to students

The chef director at Michelin-starred restaurant Carters of Moseley, UCB graduate Brad Carter, has given 30 of his own collection of recipe books to five Level 3 Professional Cookery students.

News and insights

Hunt for Young Chef Begins

Leading Oriental food grocer Wing Yip has launched its 2014 search to find the finest Young Chef for Oriental Cuisine.

News and insights

Rebecca and Georgia off to Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or grand finals

A talented undergraduate chef and a formidable former front of house student are on their way to the grand finals

News and insights

Professional Cookery students' micro herb visit bursts with flavour

Professional Cookery students’ micro herb visit bursts with flavour from micro herbs to edible flowers, Professional Cookery degree students received more than a flavour of the garnishes that adorn today’s Michelin-starred plates during an inspirational study trip.

News and insights

UCB chefs bag award at UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year final

Two student chefs from University College Birmingham have scooped an award in the final of a national seafood contest...

News and insights

Heat is on to find best young chef in the Midlands

University College Birmingham is calling on talented young cooks to enter its annual Young Chef of the Year competition.

News and insights

Student chefs secure spot in Young Seafood Chef of the Year final

Two young chefs from University College Birmingham are preparing to battle it out with students from around the country in the final of a national seafood competition.

News and insights

Chef lecturer takes podium in top culinary competition

Richard Dutton, Chef Lecturer at UCB’s College of Food, has come third in the hotly-contested British Culinary Federation’s coveted Chef of the Year.

News and insights

Student chef off to Cape Town after winning South African Chef of the Year

Third year Culinary Arts Management student Chace Wagenhauser is off to work in Cape Town after winning the national South African Young Chef of the Year 2018.

News and insights

Chef Shropshall serves Germany a classic British dish

Chef lecturer Mathew Shropshall provided a masterclass in classic British cuisine – cooking 600 portions of fish and chips in 20 hours.

News and insights

Teaching assistants celebrate after achieving Professional Development Diplomas

Teaching assistants have been awarded Diplomas in Professional Development (Special Educational Needs) by UCB in partnership with the Pupil Support Service of Birmingham.

News and insights

Unstoppable Nathan crowned champ in top young chef competition

An unstoppable former University College Birmingham student who represented England in the most prestigious culinary competition in the world has come out victorious at the British Culinary Federation’s Young Chef of the Year.

News and insights

University College Birmingham launches region's most prestigious chef apprenticeship

University College Birmingham is launching a prestigious new course for apprentice chefs in partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

News and insights

Everyone's a winner as RACA chef apprentices scoop string of medals at Salon Culinaire

A group of apprentice chefs from University College Birmingham have swept to success...

News and insights

Chef Goldsmith's Twitter Takeover

Confused about the cooking times for Christmas turkey? Want to know the secret of cooking tasty Brussels sprouts? Or how about getting that extra special crisp on the roast potatoes? Panic no longer because UCB has the experts to help.…

News and insights

Amadeus head chef gets spicy at UCB for National Apprenticeship Week

The head chef of the NEC Group’s award-winning catering business Amadeus fired over to UCB to give apprentices a masterclass in Asian spices to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.

News and insights

Schoolgirl Jo wins chance to shadow TV chef as UCB Young Chef of the Year

Schoolgirl Jo Dainton has won the chance to shadow a Michelin-starred TV chef after being crowned winner of UCB’s Young Chef of the Year 2018 competition.

News and insights

Applications open for UCB's prestigious Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Chef Apprenticeship

Recruitment has begun for a unique opportunity to work and train at some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the region. UCB is the only institution outside London and the South to offer the esteemed Royal Academy of Culinary…

News and insights

Luke flies flag for England at Young Chef Olympiad in India

A University College Birmingham student is battling it out with star young chefs from around the globe at a prestigious worldwide competition this week.

News and insights

Trainee chef meets cooking legend Marco Pierre White

Trainee chef Nathan Lane picked up some tops tips from a culinary legend when he attended a cooking master class.

News and insights

Another all-female final reveals Best Young Chef in the Midlands

University College Birmingham’s annual Young Chef of the Year competition, supported by Maple from Canada, culminated in an all-female final for the second year in a row, with 14-year-old Neve Doy coming out of the kitchen triumphant.

News and insights

Stourbridge schoolgirl wins University College Birmingham Young Chef of the Year 2020

A Stourbridge schoolgirl has roasted the competition to win University College Birmingham’s Young Chef of the Year and the chance to cook at Raymond Blanc OBE’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

News and insights

Chef Samina cooks for Prince William and Kate during Pakistan tour

A former Professional Cookery student at University College Birmingham had the honour of making the VIP in-flight meals for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their recent five-day tour of Pakistan.

News and insights

England young chef team tunes skills ahead of global cook-off

A group of UCB students and alumni has been fine-tuning its skills ahead of this year’s Culinary World Cup - one of the world’s leading competitions for young chefs - in 12 weeks.

News and insights

Chef lecturers go Dutch at TUCO Chef's Challenge

Chef lecturers Richard Taylor and Giovanni Di-Vito are taking the trip of a lifetime after winning gold at The University Caterer’s Organisation (TUCO) Chef’s Challenge. Scoring top marks at the competition’s final, they are now set to fly to the…

News and insights

Chef Katie keeps to the classics at WorldSkills UK

Katie Cooper, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) apprentice and chef at Michelin-star restaurant Carters of Moseley, is feeling confident after impressing judges at the regional heats of the WorldSkills UK Culinary Arts contest held at Merton College, Surrey.

News and insights

CAM student's dissertation hand-in topped off with Master Chef title

Fourth-year Culinary Arts Management student Peter Price has taken the definition of multi-tasking to a whole new level, winning the acclaimed title of 2018 Young Master Chef of the year on the same day as his final year dissertation hand-in…

News and insights

UCB chef Anthony Wright is the UK's candidate for Bocuse d'Or European selection

The UK team for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or culinary competition, has announced the candidate and commis chef who will take part in the competition’s European selection in Budapest, Hungary, in May 2016.

News and insights

UCB trio bag Grand Finals spot in Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

A team of University College Birmingham students have wowed judges to secure a place in the final of a prestigious national competition.