Tom Armstrong wins LACA School Chef of the Year 2022

Tom Armstrong of Shelley College, Huddersfield, has been named LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) 2022.

He beat runner-up Raheem Morgan of Torridon Primary School and Clair Edwards from Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, Caerphilly.

The first-time finalist’s winning dishes included tandoori quorn and onion bhaji; Indian spiced quorn cottage pie with crushed Bombay potatoes, butter sauce and greens; and a coconut milk panna cotta with mango puree and freeze dried raspberries.

For the 28th iteration of the competition, LACA SCOTY asked candidates to create a grab-and-go snack in addition to a main meal and a 50% fruit-based dessert reflecting school standards.

Raheem Morgan received the ‘Grab and Go’ Award for his Jamaican-inspired loaded quorn corn savoury waffle topped with avocado, tomato and crème fraiche.

As the overall SCOTY winner, Armstrong received a £1,000 cash prize, a trophy and an invitation to a series of catering industry events, including a study tour in Germany with MKN.

Speaking after the competition, Armstrong said: “I have met some amazing people, who now feel like family. LACA is a fantastic organisation. As a first time finalist, I loved the welcoming feeling. I am so excited for the next 12 months.”

Kate Snow, chair of judges, added: “It’s been amazing to see the incredible creativity and quality from all the finalists.”

LACA SCOTY was launched in 1990 and represents over 1,000 members from across the school food sector.