FUTURE STARS SHINE AT HOSPITALITY STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2017 COMPETITION

FUTURE STARS SHINE AT HOSPITALITY STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2017 COMPETITION

Wednesday 01 February 2017 was an action packed day at Southern Regional College, as hospitality students from across Northern Ireland gathered for the second NI Regional Colleges Hospitality Student of the Year competition.

Supported by Bunzl McLaughlin, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and Dillon Bass, students from Belfast Met, North West Regional College, South West College, South East Regional College and Southern Regional College competed to be named 'Student Chef of the Year 2017' and 'Food Service Student of the Year 2017'. Their challenge was to work in a chef and food service partnership to create a three course meal, design a table setting and serve a panel of judges.   

The creativity of students was noted by judges, Noel McMeel, Executive Chef, Lough Erne Resort and Philip Waring, Development Chef for Rational. Commenting Noel McMeel said: "The standard was phenomenal this year and it is great to see such passion and knowledge being displayed by students. Competitions of this nature build confidence and are a great link between the industry and education."

Passion and creativity were also on display in the dining room as guest judges were served an aperitif on individually themed tables under the watchful eye of hotel gurus, James McGinn, from Europa Hotel and Marco Marro, from The Merchant Hotel.  Guests marked contestants on their food, service and understanding of the menu. Competition sponsor Noel Branagh, Managing Director of Bunzl McLaughlin said: "Students demonstrated first class standards with a great sense of pride, passion and professionalism. As a company, we are committed to developing talent and I know that some of the students who served me today will be the stars of the future."

The winners were announced at an evening Gala Awards Dinner, which kicked off with a Drinks Reception supported by Dillon Bass, followed by a seven course mouth-watering menu prepared, cooked and served by Southern Regional College's Level 2, Level 3 Professional Cookery, Foundation Degree Hospitality, Level 2 IT and Adult Access students. 

Compered by James McGinn, the gala dinner was attended by representatives from the competing colleges, industry stakeholders and supporters. The event honoured and rewarded the achievements of all the students with competition participants receiving a goodie bag of gifts sponsored by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.

The category winners were:

Student Chef of the Year 2017 - Anita Rush (Southern Regional College)

Runner Up - Lewis Robertson (South Eastern Regional College)

Food Service Student of the Year 2017 - Nicola McKiver (South West College)

Runner Up - Kieran Cleverly (Southern Regional College)

Bringing the evening to a close, Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, Brian Doran said:

"Thank you to everyone who was brave enough to take part. We are delighted to host this event and hope that it will continue be a fixture in the student calendar. We really valued the support of our industry partners, Bunzl McLaughlin, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and Dillon Bass."

Fiona Bradley, Head of the Hospitality School at Southern Regional College, concluded: "I would like to thank the students for their endeavours, determination and commitment. Their ability has shone through and they rose to the challenge of delivering a service in a competitive environment. As a college, we value the support of the wider industry and realise the commitment that lecturers have given in mentoring and preparing the teams."

Last updated 7 years 1 month ago
FUTURE STARS SHINE AT HOSPITALITY STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2017 COMPETITION FUTURE STARS SHINE AT HOSPITALITY STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2017 COMPETITION