Students from 58 catering colleges across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were invited at the end of last year to sign up for the CombiGuru app and test their knowledge of the gastronomic world. After excelling in this first stage, 58 talented young chefs were given an all-expenses paid trip, alongside their lecturer, to compete against one another in the ‘Oven Challenge’ – a live cook-off at Unox HQ.
With a record number of finalists, the students were split into six groups across as many days, all preparing two dishes: a main course and dessert to demonstrate their skills in the kitchen in a professional environment. After months of preparation and six finals, runners-up and a winner were crowned for each day.
Congratulations to the winners:
- Day 1: Oliver Cornes - Cheshire College Crewe
- Day 2: Charlie Sexton - Richmond Upon Thames College
- Day 3: Corey Campbell - Belfast Metropolitan College
- Day 4: Alfie Reid - Edinburgh College (Milton Road Campus)
- Day 5: Ruby Goodens - East Riding College
- Day 6: Catrin Webb - Westminster Kingsway College
In addition to the trip, each winner received a MaglioNero 12-piece knife set and professional pizza-making course at Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli; and the six winning colleges get 5 tray CHEFTOP MIND.Maps™ combi oven courtesy of Unox. Each runner-up also received a MaglioNero knife, as well as all lecturers taking part in a pizza-making demonstration with Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, using Agugiaro & Figna Molini flour, ILSA S.p.A refrigeration equipment, Sirman S.p.A. equipment and Unox ovens.
Steven McGarvie, managing director of Unox UK, said: “The standard of culinary skill, creativity and professionalism on display across all six days was truly exceptional. All 58 young chefs mastered the Oven Challenge and produced dishes that genuinely impressed the judges. In the face of pressure, the incredible camaraderie was fantastic to see.
“Supporting budding chefs with experiences such as CombiGuru is a privilege and one that Unox is committed to continuing. Being a part of the students’ development and supporting the winning colleges with their new ovens is something we hope will inspire the next generation of talent for years to come.”
For more information, visit unox.com.