Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2022 winners crowned

New City College took the spoils as they clinched the Country Range Student Chef Challenge title for 2022.

A team made up of Sam Paoli, Maria V Carbone and Paulo Dela Cruz took the title at the live final at the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) Show at Excel in London.

The annual event, organised by Country Range Group, aims to recognise the best and brightest emerging talent in the sector – and is held with the support of judges from the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Eight teams from colleges around the UK contested the final, with students asked to recreate their menus within 90 minutes, all in front of a live theatre audience.

As well as claiming the prestigious Country Range Student Chef Challenge title, the New City College team were also awarded gold standard from the HRC. The team from Hertford Regional College finished in second place (silver standard) and the trio from Loughborough College took third (silver standard).

“Well done to the team at New City College for coming out on top in the challenge,” said Country Range Group Head of Marketing Emma Holden, who organised the event.

“It was an intense final and the standard on show from all the chefs was terrific. All finalist teams should be extremely proud of reaching the finals which is a fantastic achievement in itself.”

The winners received an array of prizes, including an overnight stay and meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, and a stage working and learning what Michelin-level cooking is all about.

“I’m totally blown away and quite emotional to be honest,” said winning lecturer, Jeff Mason.

“I’m just so happy for the trio as they have put in a huge amount of effort and have worked and supported each other so closely. They’re a huge credit to the me, the college and London, and I have no doubt they have big careers in hospitality ahead of them.”

Country Range Group Country Range Group Student Chef Challenge Craft Guild of Chefs Emma Holden New City College