Student Serves Up Winning Dish
Published On Wednesday 1 Jul 2015 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been named Derbyshire County Council’s Student Chef of the Year.
The foodie 15-year-old served up a dish of freshly made sweet and sour chicken served with wholegrain rice followed by a dessert of chocolate, orange and raspberry cake, to win the title.
To be named overall winner Whittington Green School pupil Ryan had to devise a menu for two on a budget of just £2 per head.
The competition – now in its 5th year – was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service and was open to students from Years 9 to 11. The food produced had to be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.
Their food also had to reflect cultural diversity and include some seasonal, local produce and was judged during a ceremony at The Dome, Buxton.
Jack Handley, 14, from Belper School, won the title of best main course with his offering of spiced lamb kebabs with pea couscous.
St Philip Howard Catholic School student Cameron Waine, 15, created the best presentation table and also dessert – date and chocolate brownies with chantilly cream.
Winner Ryan was presented with £100 of shopping vouchers while both runners-up received £20.
Winners were awarded their certificates and prizes by Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised the students for their fantastic culinary skills.
“The standard of cooking was superb,” said a spokesperson for the council. “They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”
All the entrants produced delicious dishes and were each awarded a certificate and trophy. They were: Lee Smith and Connor Beardshaw from The Pingle School in Swadlincote, Leah Roberts, 15, from Whittington Green School in Chesterfield and Abigail May, 14, from Belper School.
The competition was judged by Kevin Hill, the county council’s primary catering manager, Katie Woods, Derbyshire County Council’s menu development officer and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.
WINNING RECIPE: Masterchef Ryan Bryce from Whittington Green School beat off allcomers to become Derbyshire County Council’s Student Chef of the Year 2015. From left, Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College; Derbyshire County Council’s menu development officer Katie Woods and deputy cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Caitlin Bisknell.
| Bottoms up as Derby brunchers prepare to welcome city's first evening soiree A restaurant famed for its unique bottomless brunches has just served up its 75,000th glass of fizz and is launching the city's very first evening soiree Read The Article | |
| The Dovecote Restaurant At Morley Hayes Reopens Following Stunning Refurbishment The award-winning Dovecote Restaurant at Morley Hayes has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment that promises guests an unforgettable dining experience. Read The Article | |
| Spring In Our Step! - Award-Winning Fischer's Embraces A New Chapter Of Exciting Opportunities. We are excited to share some fantastic news that has brought a real spring to our step. We have once again received prestigious recognition Read The Article | |
| Live Music, Cocktails & Community Vibes: Barca at Casa Hotel Launches Weekly Music Nights As demand continues to grow for experience-led nights out and authentic local entertainment, Casa Hotel is answering the call. Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Celebrates Recognition At The Publican Awards 2025 - Derbyshire's Only Finalist Longbow Venues, an independent hospitality business based in the Peak District, is thrilled to announce its recognition at The Read The Article | |
| Mayor of the East Midlands to Open New Cafe at Crich Tramway Village Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, will be officially opening the new café at Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum on Saturday 5th April. Read The Article | |
| Taste, Toast, Celebrate: New-look Grappa Sets New Standard in Italian Hospitality This week, a renowned city-centre Italian will be rolling out the red carpet as scores of the region's best-known VIPs gather to celebrate a new vision Read The Article | |
| Come Dine With Us - Derby Market Hall Unveils New Set Of Award-Winning Street Food Traders Derby City Council is excited to announce the second wave of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall, marking Read The Article | |
| The Peacock At Rowsley Welcomes Back Its Iconic Sunday Lunch The Peacock at Rowsley, one of the Peak Districts most treasured luxury boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants, is delighted to announce the long-awaited return of Read The Article | |
| New Bar And Kitchen Deal Secured For Well-known Restauranteur OMEETO has completed a deal for the lease of a new bar and kitchen in Duffield to a well-known Derby restauranteur. Connie Eleftheriou is now transforming the site Read The Article | |