A Celebration of Young Culinary Talent
We were proud to host the inaugural IAPS MasterCook competition in its cutting-edge Beacon kitchen, welcoming enthusiastic young chefs from across our District for a truly memorable day of culinary creativity and flair. We invited pupils from Crosfields School, Berkhamsted Prep, Heatherton School, Ashfold School, St Piran’s School and Yateley Manor School to compete against two of our own Beacon Year 6 pupils. All competitors got straight to work, soon presenting dishes that dazzled in both flavour and presentation.
We were pleased to welcome back our returning judge, Laurie Gear, Patron Chef of the Michelin-recognised Artichoke Restaurant in Amersham. Chef Gear praised the students’ imagination and discipline in the kitchen, admitting it was “a very tough decision” given the exceptionally high standard across the board.
After much deliberation, he announced the results:
1st Place – Tien V from The Beacon, who beautifully executed Palak Paneer with Lacha Paratha, served alongside Onion Pickle and Mango Purée.
2nd Place – Henry C from Berkhamsted Prep, for his incredibly rich and delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding.
3rd Place – Maisie S from Yateley Manor, for her standout dish of Chocolate Lava cake.
The competition menu was a true showcase of international inspiration and refined technique, including:
- Spiced Fish Tacos with house-pickled légumes, avocado, maison mayonnaise and coriander oil
- Palak Paneer with Lacha Paratha, served with traditional accompaniments
- A flavour-packed Sweetcorn and Chilli Soup
- Sticky Toffee Pudding that warmed hearts and palates
- Shortbread Biscuits with a summer twist
- Chicken Fajitas with freshly made guacamole and salsa
- Creamy, classic Cheesecake
- Miniature Elderflower and Lemon Gâteaux, resting on raspberry coulis
- Rich, decadent Chocolate Lava Cake
The atmosphere was alive with excitement, learning and an unmistakable love of food. All participants displayed exceptional talent and professionalism, working under timed conditions with confidence and creativity. With the bar set high, the IAPS MasterCook Competition is already being marked in calendars for next year.
Congratulations to all our young chefs and thank you to all those who supported the event. We look forward to hosted more MasterCook Competitions.
