A healthy win for young chef Harry in Thatcham Rotary Club’s national competition at Newbury College

Thatcham Rotary Club has hosted another Young Chef competition.

The district final was held at Newbury College with four participants battling it out to plate up the best food.

Rotary Young Chef is a national competition for budding chefs between 12-16-years-old.

The challenge is to produce a healthy two-course meal – a main and dessert – for two people for under £18.

The competition is arranged in tiers with local rotary clubs organising their own with local schools.

The four competitors in this year’s final were Bridget Harper,15, from Bloxham School, nominated by Banbury Rotary Club, Esther Hine,14, from Easthampstead Park School, nominated by Ascot Rotary Club, Harry Phillips,14, from Bloxham School, nominated by Banbury Rotary Club and Henry Ellis, 15, from Faringdon Community College, nominated by Faringdon Rotary Club.

And coming out as top of the chops was Harry Phillips for his menu of lamb cutlets with pomme puree and vegetables followed by a lemon posset dessert.

Esther Hine from Easthampstead Park School came in second for her menu of butternut squash and spinach ravioli and broccoli followed by a dessert of chocolate eclairs.

Following their district final success, the winning pair will progress to the regional final at Newbury College on March 23.

The number of candidates was lower than in past years – a lingering impact of the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

But it is hoped that the number will increase next year.