Student Pastry Chef of the Year Finalists Announced

Eight students have made it through to the final of the 2023 Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition. Lead judge Franciane Tartari has heralded this year’s talent and the hugely-impressive standard of the entries.

Franciane told The Chefs’ Forum:

“I’m really impressed with the diversity and strength of the entrants this year. Pastry is a hard discipline to learn but this year’s bunch are well up for the challenge. Congratulations to all those who made it through to the final!”

Catherine Farinha, Director of The Chefs’ Forum, said:

“It’s so gratifying to get such good feedback from the students and to see them entering this important competition. We have a great final ahead of us and we are so pleased that 5 colleges share the 8 finalists. That’s a great spread from across the country!”

The finalists are:

• Husnaa Kaka – Leicester College
• Gemma Collick – Leicester College
• Jack Morris – Coleg y Cymoedd
• Kai Whittaker – West London College
• Katrina Tañas Atienza – University of West London
• Mali Leese – Coleg y Cymoedd
• Abby Webster – North Kent College
• Oraib Al-Shareeba – West London College

The Chefs’ Forum would like to take this opportunity to thank all this year’s entrants for their brilliantly-creative presentations and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the final eight finalists create their wonderful concepts on the 10^th May at West London College.

Meet the judges:

• Michael Kwan – Executive Pastry Chef at The Dorchester and UK Pastry Team
• Chris Underwood – Artisserie
• Michael D’Angelo – Head Pastry Chef at Louie London
• Franciane Tartari – Executive Pastry Chef at Amazonico
• Daniel Pearse – Executive Pastry Chef at Rhubarb
• Enrico Carloni – Head Pastry Chef at The Peninsula
• Biju Joshwa – Executive Pastry Chef at Sheraton Grand Park Lane
• Cherish Finden – Bake Off: The Professionals Judge
• Nelson Sa – Head Pastry Chef at South Place
• Thibault Hauchard – Executive Pastry Chef at Claridge’s
• Benoit Blin – Executive Pastry Chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons/Bake Off: The Professionals Judge

Thank you to our sponsors: Bragard, Wedgwood, Henley Bridge, Matfer Bourgeat, Mitchell & Cooper, Koppert Cress, First Choice Produce, Taylor UK and Adande.