A Professional Cookery student at Cheshire College – South & West’s Ellesmere Port Campus has won the Most Promising Student of 2024 prize at the British Culinary Federation Awards.

The British Culinary Federation Awards recognise industry professionals and rising industry talents; and guests attended the glittering awards dinner and black-tie event at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.

Level 3 student Amanda was nominated for Most Promising Student by her lecturer Angel Ralchev due to her talent, dedication, hard work, and commitment to the culinary arts. Amanda has an impressive track record for competing in professional competitions; her accolades include competing in the Toque d’Or, Delifresh, and Zest Quest Asia competitions, and she has previously won Young Chef of the Year at the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards in 2023.

Amanda commented: “It was amazing to even be nominated, and the fact that I won is unbelievable. When we did the last photograph with all the winners there were fourteen of us lined up, and I realised that I was the only girl, and I think I was the youngest person there too. So that made it even more of an honour.”

Amanda is keen to expand her knowledge of Professional Cookery even further, and is already thinking about her professional development when she leaves Cheshire College.

“At the awards, I was speaking to a guest who now works at a two Michelin star restaurant in France, and he was giving me suggestions for places to study my Level 4 and 5 qualifications. I’m excited to study more in the world of Hospitality and Catering, and to enter more competitions. I’ve got my eye of Pastry Chef of the Year at some point in the future!”

Throughout their studies, Hospitality and Catering students at Cheshire College have access to modern commercial kitchens including the on-site AA Rosette standard Academy Restaurants, where students will learn to prepare exquisite culinary creations. The College also has hospitality, food, and beverage service courses where students can learn about the finer details of service in our commercially-run, fine dining restaurants. Visit www.ccsw.ac.uk for more information.