Country Range Student Chef Challenge enters final stage

Following three highly-charged semi-final heats, the finalists for the Country Range Student Chef Challenge have been revealed.

The final which will take place at Hotelympia on 7 March 2018 will see 10 college teams battle it out for the title. The final 10 are:

• Ayrshire College
• City of Glasgow College
• University of Derby
• East Kent College
• Highbury College
• Loughborough College
• Newbury College
• North East Scotland College
• South Eastern Regional College (Downpatrick Campus)
• Westminster Kingsway College

For the final cook-off the students will be asked to cook their three-course, three-cover menu in 90 minutes in front of a live audience at the show.

This year's theme ‘Around the World in Three Spices' saw teams create dishes such as curry leaf ice-cream, chai-infused chocolate mousse and spiced rum baba to name a few.

Emma Holden, organiser of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge, said: "The standard in the semi-final heats was incredible with some unbelievable technique, teamwork and dishes on display. Congratulations to all the teams who made the final as they each produced three amazing dishes.

Chris Basten, chairman of judges at the Craft Guild of Chefs, added: "Well done to all the teams who competed with fantastic all-round performances. The menus showcased real imagination and the teams backed this up on the day by showing composure, skill and plating up some dazzling dishes."

The winning team, comprising of three students will take home the trophy and a bespoke set of Flint & Flame knives each, a trip to the 2018 Universal Cookery & Food Festival, at Westlands in September 2018 and a night's accommodation and dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Ayrshire College crowned Student Chef Challenge champions >>

Minute on the clock: Steve Munkley >>