James Jones, a Hospitality & Catering lecturer at Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC), recently served on the judging panel at the Exmoor Young Chef competition.
The competition, now in its third year, took place at West Somerset College, and was organised by Visit Exmoor.
Visit Exmoor is dedicated to promoting the Exmoor region, highlighting its stunning landscapes, rich history, and outstanding local produce. The Exmoor Young Chef competition is one of several initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and supporting the region’s dynamic food and hospitality sectors.
The event aimed to raise awareness of food, local sourcing, and career opportunities in the region, and five finalists were tasked with creating a three-course meal in just two hours on a budget of merely £22, using locally-sourced ingredients. Sponsors included Bridgwater & Taunton College, Bidfood and Brend Hotels, and Butlins, among others.
James was joined on the judging panel by Louise Lyons MacLeod, 2024 MasterChef finalist and runner-up. Renowned restaurant critic and MasterChef judge William Sitwell also made an appearance, lending his support to the event.
Becky Tomlinson, Course Leader, commented,
We are proud to have played a role in this event, and are committed to supporting the next generation of culinary talent. We believe that the Exmoor Young Chef competition is a valuable platform for young people to showcase their skills.
Austin Nelder, West Somerset College student, emerged as the overall winner, and was invited alongside the other finalists for a celebratory meal at The Quantock Restaurant, located at the Taunton campus of Bridgwater & Taunton College. Here, some of the dishes from the competition were served.
Emma Thomasson, CEO of Visit Exmoor, said,
This competition has become a true showcase of the young talent in our region and highlights the importance of local sourcing and sustainable practices in the culinary world. We are incredibly proud of all the finalists and their passion for cooking.
The Exmoor Young Chef competition is about inspiring the next generation and demonstrating the diverse and exciting opportunities in the hospitality sector. Austin’s win is a testament to the hard work and creativity that all the participants have shown.
The Exmoor Young Chef competition continues to strengthen ties between the region’s hospitality industry and young aspiring chefs – something BTC is equally passionate about. James’ support as judge demonstrates the College’s dedication to highlight exciting opportunities for the next generation.
For more information on future events and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.
