By Rachel Jenkins
A schoolgirl from Fulham has taken home the title Young Chef of the Year 2014 after wowing judges with her culinary skills.
Freya Holden,15, who attends The Moat School in Fulham, beat off competition from four others after serving up a menu of frizzled pancetta with chicory and pine nuts with lemon, honey and olive oil and a cheese and thyme soufflé served with fresh bread.
After she was crowned winner at The Young Chef event Freya said: “I cooked these items because I found them challenging and I love cheese. I really enjoyed working in a professional kitchen as there is so much space.”
As well as taking home the title Freya was presented with a winner’s trophy, a £200 gift card donated by Westfield London and a signed Tapas Revolution cook book.
Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Frances Stainton, who presented the awards along with Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea mayor Cllr Charles Williams, said: “All of the young chefs should be proud of their efforts, which clearly went down very well with the judging panel.
“It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and creativity being poured into their dishes. All of the young people taking part displayed real talent and, I am sure, have very bright futures ahead of them.”
The other finalists were Madison Berry and Gregory Jackson from the Bridge AP Academy, in Fulham, Amina Benadjal, of Fulham Cross Girls’ School, and Chelsea Academy pupil Samuel Silverman. Judges gave a special mention to Alfie Wellers, of Woodlane High School who impressed them with his chocolate brownie.
The five finalists were judged by Rosie Boycott, chair of the London Food Board, Omar Allibhoy, from Tapas Revolution in Westfield London, and Denise Charles, course director of hospitality and catering at Ealing and West London College.
Rosie Boycott described the food produced as “really wonderful” while Omar Allibhoy said the dishes were inspiring. Louise Burlumi, food and beverage manager at Westfield London, said: “This is the third year Westfield London has supported this event and I am delighted to participate. Hospitality is a big part of Westfield London – and this event gets young people engaged.”
The annual event took place on February 27, and is held in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Ealing Council, Hammersmith & West London College and for the first time this year the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
