Cornwall College Dominates as Phoebe Mortimer Wins Fifth Annual Student Pastry Chef of the Year

Phoebe Mortimer of Cornwall College has been named the winner of the fifth annual Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition, held on 13th May at West London College’s Taste Restaurant and training kitchens. Hosted by The Chefs’ Forum, the event celebrated the very best in emerging pastry talent and delivered what judges described as the most impressive field to date.

Now firmly established as a key fixture in the culinary calendar, the competition attracted elite student chefs from colleges across the UK. Dressed immaculately in Bragard jackets emblazoned with sponsor logos, each finalist brought a unique interpretation of pastry excellence, showcasing technical skill, creativity, and professionalism far beyond their years.

Phoebe Mortimer’s poised, precise, and artistically executed Tropical Arctic plated dessert and Lychee Lime Fizz and Nutty-Nana petit fours won over the judges in a closely contested finale. Her display of compassion, graciously allowing fellow contestants to present their dishes first due to warm weather conditions, earned admiration from all present and exemplified the professionalism and camaraderie at the heart of the industry.

Phoebe said

“I am so excited to win, I cannot believe it, I’m crying happy tears don’t worry! I have had such a wonderful day and this has been a fantastic experience and I am so grateful to my mum Lucy and lecturers Clyde Conollon and Ashley Carkeet for all of their wonderful support.”

Alongside the coveted title, Phoebe was presented with a hand-painted Wedgwood plate and a suite of prizes, including a culinary trip to France to visit Andros Purée HQ, a second opportunity to visit Paris for a day’s training at PatisFrance HQ with one of their development chefs courtesy of Ritter Courivaud, and a haul of luxury ingredients, including Giusto Mannenetti 23ct Edible Gold Crumb décor. All finalists received generous sponsor goody bags, with prizes worth thousands of pounds.

Second place was awarded to Jessica Sale of Loughborough College, whose Blueberry Delice plated dessert and Chocolate Orange Bonbons and White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Macaron petit fours demonstrated bold flavour combinations and meticulous technique. Third place went to Lucy Hammett of Cornwall College’s St Austell campus, whose refined and elegant presentation impressed the judging panel.

Joint Head Judge and renowned International Pastry Consultant Martin Chiffers praised the calibre of entries and expressed pride in Cornwall College’s success:

“This was a fantastic event, and I’m very proud that Cornwall College did so well, with two students on the podium. I started there in 1984 and had a fantastic start to my career. All of the students were extremely professional, dedicated, and passionate about their work, which was great to see. Huge thanks to the sponsors, judges, and The Chefs’ Forum for making it possible and supporting the next generation of pastry chefs.”

Joint Head Judge Franciane Tartari added:

“The Chefs’ Forum Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 showcased an extraordinary level of talent, creativity and precision from our next generation of pastry chefs. Witnessing these young professionals rise to the challenge was nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to Phoebe Mortimer from Cornwall College, her artistry, skill, kindness and composure truly set her apart as a deserving winner. The future of British pâtisserie is in brilliant hands.”

The competition not only marked a high point in the student chefs’ academic journeys but also signalled the beginning of bright futures in some of the UK’s and Europe’s finest pastry kitchens. The standard set in this year’s final reflects the dedication of catering colleges nationwide in nurturing talent and the growing importance of professional pastry as a career pathway.

The Chefs’ Forum extends its sincere thanks to all our sponsors: Matfer Bourgeat, First Choice Produce, Andros Chef, Bragard, MCS Technical Products, Wedgwood, Xoco, Terra Firma, Ritter Courivaud, Pastry Gelato Equipment and Pure Ionic Water.

Judges: Biju Joshwa, Franciane Tartari, Martin Chiffers, Mauro Di Lieto, Michael D’Angelo, Miranda Reci, Mohan Boddula, Nicolas Houchet, Nicole McKenzie, Thibault Hauchard, Rebecca Marshman and Bobby Singer.

Thank you to Denise Charles, Bob Carruthers and the students from West London College for hosting and cooking up a wonderful BBQ lunch on the Weber BBQ and Borniak smoker, sponsored by Aussie Beef & Lamb, First Choice Produce and Direct Seafoods London who helped make this landmark fifth edition a resounding success.