The International Wine and Food Society
Welcome to the International Wine and Food Society Vegetarian Chef Competition 2023
Following the success of last year’s event Black Pudding Competition, the Northern Branches of the International Wine and Food Society (the world’s oldest and largest wine and food organisation) organised this competition for the highly-talented young chefs now making their way through the Northern catering colleges.
Students from 6 colleges – Bolton, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Trafford and Warrington & Vale Royal – competed to create the best plate of food made exclusively with vegetarian ingredients.
The competition was enabled by generous support from our sponsors The Vegetarian Society Cookery School, along with Amato Foods and Saga Cruises. Our thanks also to Warrington and Vale Royal College for hosting the Final and Bolton College for hosting the Grand Awards Lunch.
Sponsors
We are hugely grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who have made this year’s competition possible. Click on the sponsor's logo to visit their website.
The Vegetarian Society Cookery School
The cookery school teaches professional chefs and home cooks while also offering free classes to community groups. The school is part of the Vegetarian Society, a campaigning charity bringing the benefits of plant-based eating to all.
Amato Foods
Amato Products Ltd is a family run foodservice company based in Manchester City Centre. The company was founded 30 years ago by Bob and Deloras Amato.
Saga Cruises
Offering exclusive, sophisticated cruises for over-50s since 2003, Saga Cruises has quickly risen to prominence as one of the world’s most recognisable cruise lines.
First Place
Sabah Shah
Leeds College
First Prize went to Sabah Shah from Leeds City College, for her dish of Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Macarons
2nd Place
Caitlin Clark
Warrington and Vale Royal College
Second Prize went to Caitlin Clark from Warrington and Vale Royal College for her dish of Rhubarb Tart
3rd Place
Ethan Dowson
Scarborough TEC
Third Prize went to Ethan Dowson from Scarborough TEC, for his dish of Tofu Katsu Curry
Judges’ Commendation
Ajay Loftus
Trafford College
The judges also awarded a Special Commendation to Ajay Loftus from Trafford College for his dish of Tofu Curry.
The Winners
The Judges
Paul Heathcote MBE
Head Judge
Award-winning Chef and Restaurateur
Stephanie Moon
Compere for the Awards Lunch
Chef Consultant
John McCerery
Executive Chef, Saga Boutique Cruises
Anne Plaskett
Trustee, The Vegetarian Society
Sam Linford-Platt
The Head, The Vegetarian Society
Cookery School
Maz Linford-Platt
Tutor, The Vegetarian Society
Cookery School
