Keeping with the competition’s theme of Italian food, The Sheffield College team – comprising two chefs and one front-of-house - has won a study trip to Modena, Italy, sponsored by MSK Ingredients. The trip will also include a dinner and behind-the-scenes tour of Osteria Francescana – voted the world’s number one restaurant in 2016.

Andrew Bennett, chair of judges and winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs Banqueting Chef of the Year Award 2000, said: “The standard this year was the highest we have seen in the six year history of the competition.  All teams must be congratulated on the improvements they made following the semi finals that were held earlier this year.”

Taking home the prize for second place (sponsored by Koppert Cress), Penwith College in Cornwall also won the award for the Best Pasta Dish, which featured seafood from Scotland. Team member Katie Roberts also took home the Barista Award, which was sponsored by Cafeology.

The award for Best Service went to Loughborough College, whilst North Warwickshire & Hinkley College celebrated its Ignite for Innovation win. Milton Keynes College was also highly praised by the judges, which included grand final guest kitchen judge, chef Francesco Mazzei, from Satoria and Radici Restaurants in London.  

Director of the competition, David McKown said: “I would like to thank all the students, judges and sponsors for making this nationally recognised competition such a fabulous success.”

The UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year 2018 competition will open in December, and more details can be found on: http://www.restaurantcompetition.co.uk/about/4593362336.