Finalists Announced for Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2024

Eight top student pastry chefs have made it through to this year’s Student Pastry Chef of the Year finals. All the action will take place on 14th May at West London College.

The finals are all about precision with the students preparing 12 identical mono portions of the dessert they submitted plus 2 entremets.

Head of the 14 judges, Franciane Tartari, Executive Pastry Chef at 1 Hotel Mayfair, said:

“Every year the students surprise me even more. The competitors are showing not only skills, but passion and dedication for this beautiful profession. Some are nervous but they shouldn’t be. Nerves are good. Do not overestimate the competition or underestimate yourself. You are better than you think you are and the road to success is always under construction!”

The finalists are:

Meet the judges:

Meet the sponsors:

Valrhona
Beloved of pastry chefs all over the world, Valrhona is the pinnacle of chocolate from start to finish. Whether it’s dark or light, sweet or bitter Valrhona covers every base with exquisite detail. Some of the chocolate has become legendary in its own right. When it was launched in 1986 Guanaja took the pastry world by storm and is still one of the bright lights of the Valrhona range.

Bragard
A Bragard chefs jacket is a statement, not just of who you are as a chef but also how seriously you take the job. The tailoring is precise and the materials are best in class. When you put these things together you get Bragard but there’s so much more to the range now than just chefs whites.

Matfer Bourgeat
In 1814 in Paris the founder of Matfer Bourgeat, Charles Trottier, began to make tin and copper moulds for pastries. Ever since Matfer Bourgeat have been at the forefront of pastry innovation from saucepans to knives to moulds and much more.

Andros Chef
The closer to the source the better. That’s the maxim of Andros Chef and when it comes to sourcing fruit purees that’s exactly what you want. Andros Chef are engaged in a unique programme to set up processing facilities in the heart of fruit-producing areas and work with fresh fruit instead of frozen. The results speak for themselves.

Wedgwood
From founder Josiah Wedgwood right down to the present day the Wedgwood brand has stood for quality, excellence, beauty and function. Everything made by Wedgwood not only looks perfect but handles perfectly. With Wedgwood you get the perfect canvas to express your ideas and innovation.

MCS Technical Products
Established in 1997 to serve the foodservice market, MCS has built an enviable reputation for top quality equipment supported by great service. Major brands include Accutemp ovens, Cooktek induction, Cooper Atkins thermometers, Magicvac, Dolphin chafind dishes, FlashGRILL griddles and Klima ageing cabinets.

UNOX
Unox is continuous improvement. Unox commercial combi ovens are perfect for gastronomy and bakery. Vacuum cooking, steam cooking, drying, gratinating, browning, roasting at low and high temperatures, braising, frying, regenerating, not to mention the world of pastry and bakery.

Sosa
One of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of premium ingredients for pastry-making and gastronomy. Sosa’s goal is to satisfy the needs of all cooking enthusiasts and make their dreams come true. The four fundamental principles of contemporary cooking are more texture, more flavour, less fat and less sugar. With Sosa you’ll achieve all four.

First Choice Produce
First Choice champion artisanal produce and connect exceptional local producers and suppliers with restaurants across the UK. The ultimate mission is to be the perfect partner for the entire catering sector – including Michelin star and fine dining restaurants alongside more casual dining and event establishments. First Choice are excited to bring new flavours and ingredients to the tables of British restaurants.

All chefs are welcome to attend the final at West London College on Tuesday 14th May – Please email brogen@redcherry.uk.com to be added to the guest list.