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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lauren is Young Guns winner

Culinary Arts Management student Lauren Joseph is a winner of Young Guns 2014.

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Students as young as six present findings at Young Researchers Conference

Reward systems, school partnerships, teaching methods and technology were just some of the complex findings covered by some very young researchers at a special conference at UCB.

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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.

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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.

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Talented young chefs graduate from Saturday academies

Food-loving schoolchildren have completed expert academies at UCB, boosting their bakery and cookery skills while learning about healthy eating.

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Three cheers for UCB's young sommelier

Budding sommelier Andrew Johnson is the toast of the town after securing sponsorship to study with a leading wine and spirit education charity.

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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.

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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.

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Young Birmingham chefs put on silver service at World Cup

The Birmingham-based England junior chef team is celebrating after scooping silver at the Culinary World Cup.

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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.

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Megan is a Tabasco hot chef

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

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Promising young chefs compete for top title in UCB's kitchens

12 top chefs under the age of 23 have undergone a rigorous day of challenges in the final of the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards hosted by UCB.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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UCB serves up chef apprenticeships

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

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Catarina wins stage in South America as Superfoods Peru Young Chef of Year

A Culinary Arts Management undergraduate at UCB has won the chance to work at an award-winning restaurant in South America after being crowned Superfoods Peru Young Chef of the Year.

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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.

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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.

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Young bakers impress star graduate with vegan bread creations for college contest

Young bakers at University College Birmingham have risen to the challenge of making vegan-friendly bread as part of a student competition.

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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...

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Young Researchers Conference 2017 gets off to a flying start

The annual Young Researchers Conference at UCB was launched with news that one of the UK's leading researchers would be involved in this year's project.

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MP visit champions collaboration as key to changing outcomes for young people

Sarah Smith MP visit champions collaboration as key to improving outcomes for young people.

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More young adults with SEN finding work with help from UCB

From retail to transportation, more young adults with special educational needs and learning disabilities are finding work thanks to a partnership between a Birmingham school and UCB.

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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.

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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.

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Catarina embraces superfoods to make Peruvian young chef final

A budding student chef used everything from umami king oyster mushroom scallops to caramel coated chia seeds to win a place in the finals of a national Peruvian food challenge.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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University welcomes MP to explore city-wide opportunities for young people

Preet Gill MP joins UCB staff on campus tour, exploring how her Edgbaston constituents could benefit from UCB's provision.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards

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

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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.

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Exciting new judges lined up for UCB Young Chef of the Year - entries now open!

Acclaimed street food star Lee Desanges - who achieved fame for cooking over charcoal under the bonnet of a 1964 Mini Cooper through his Baked in Brick business - is one of the exciting, new judges for University College Birmingham’s…

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College of food trio celebrate wins at UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year awards

Team of students wins three trophies at this year’s UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year Awards.

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Hospitality leaders explore why young people should go into today's industry

University College Birmingham teamed up with the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Midlands to invite leading figures in the sector to hear from experts on how they can inspire the next generation into the industry.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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University of Warwick partnership set to boost young people and economic recovery

The University of Warwick and University College Birmingham have announced a new partnership that will provide more opportunities for young people and strengthen the post pandemic economic recovery of the West Midlands.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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Thai holiday inspires award-winning young chef at top culinary competition

A holiday in Thailand helped one of our international Culinary Arts Management degree students bag a brace of awards at a top culinary competition.

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Chef lecturer who set up community cooking school wins regional champion award

A chef lecturer at University College Birmingham who returned to his roots to launch an inspirational community-based culinary school for young people has been recognised at a regional awards.

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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…

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The Roux Scholarship brings chef Adam Smith back home

Alumnus Adam Smith returns as one of the judges for this prestigious competition.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Specialist dysphagia training now integrated within Commis Chef Apprenticeship to address skills gap

Enhanced apprenticeship programme addresses the demand for specialist skills.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Students praised by top Birmingham chefs supporting fundraiser for young hospitality professionals

Students from UCB have been praised by top Birmingham chefs after assisting at a special fundraising lunch to support the next generation of hospitality professionals.

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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.

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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…

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UCB welcomes young researchers

UCB held a lecture for its youngest students to date when primary school children were welcomed to McIntyre House.

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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…

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Students serve up success at Young Waiters Academy

UCB is running their first ever Young Waiters Academy, taking on students aged 14-15 to give them first-hand experience of what it’s like to work within the hospitality profession.

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Young researchers present their findings at UCB

The region’s youngest researchers returned to UCB to discuss the results of their school research and share their results with other schoolchildren and their teachers.

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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.

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Starting them young – PGCE students learn to teach cookery

A group of School Direct teaching students has been shown how to teach young children to cook – and why it’s so important to do so.

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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.

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UCB scoops gold and "best of the best" title at top chef competition

University College Birmingham’s student culinary team has scooped gold at one of the UK’s most prestigious chef competitions.

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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.

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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.

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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…