Mackie Academy student Phoebe Lawson wins FutureChef 2022

Phoebe Lawson has won Springboard’s FutureChef 2022, the award that recognises young hospitality talent.

The 15-year-old who attends Mackie Academy in Stonehaven beat 11 other competitors in the final at Westminster Kingsway College in London. They were originally among 6,000 young people aged 12-16 who entered the competition, representing some 310 schools.

Miranda Paz-Sanchez (15) from Eltham Hill School in London - who also won the best presentation award - secured the runner up spot, with Perran Clark (14) from Braunton Academy in North Devon named second runner up.

All competitors were tasked with butchering a chicken as a skills task, before cooking a chicken based main course and panna cotta dessert.

Lawson prepared roasted chicken with tarragon infused tomato, fondant potato, wilted spinach, cauliflower puree and grain mustard sauce. She paired it with a vaniall panna cotta with poached pear, chocolate and hazelnut soil, and bee pollen crumb.

Head judge David Mulcahy, who is Sodexo's culinary director, said: “It was fantastic to see these young chefs face down what was probably the toughest tests of their lives so far. We’ve been two years out and it’s just great to be back – and to such a high standard.”

Speaking after her win Lawson said: “This win means a lot to me. It’s been months of hard work and it’s amazing that it has all paid off. My mentors have been so helpful and supportive throughout this experience and it is the perfect way to say thank you to them. It has also meant a lot of opportunities have come my way, opening up new and exciting career pathways.

“I have lots of plans for the future, but at the moment, I am looking into different apprenticeships across the UK to see what is out there.”

Kirsty Wilson, Phoebe Lawson’s teacher at Mackie Academy expressed her pride at her student’s achievement.

She said: “As a teacher it is always great to see pupils strive to achieve to the best of their abilities and the Springboard Future Chef competition certainly encourages and allows that to happen.

“Phoebe’s confidence has definitely grown over this past year and it is just fantastic to see her flourish and be a small part of her journey.”