24 Nov 2025
Forget MasterChef, Bake Off and The Great British Menu, the chefs of tomorrow are busy cooking up stunning dishes here in St Albans.
The local heat of the ever-popular Rotary ‘Young Chef’ competition saw 17 students from six local secondary schools battle it out to showcase their culinary skills at Oaklands College’s Smallford campus.
The task faced by the 12 to 15-year-olds was to prepare a main course and dessert for two people within a tight budget of £18 in no more than 90 minutes.
The annual event is organised by the Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium and sponsored by ENA Health Care Ltd.
Reya Shah, a pupil at St Albans High School for Girls, won the eagerly contested competition for the second year running with her main course of Butter Chicken Spheres served with makhani sauce and a dessert of Mango Srikhand with pistachio and rose shortbread crumble.
Second place was awarded to Beatrix Ruffles, also of St Albans High School for Girls, for her creative Turkey Kofta with roasted aubergine and pomegranates, followed by
Date Molasses Cakes with crème fraiche.
STAHS teacher Nicola Froud attributed the girls’ achievement to their own initiative and dedication.
Dhruvi Patel from Heathlands School for deaf children came third, presenting her Mushroom Fried Rice with Raita and a dessert of Carrot Halwa.
The judges, Mark Sharples and Martin West, lecturers in the hospitality and catering department of Oaklands College, Michael Cox, head chef at Aldwickbury Golf Club, and Alison Cuell, food technology instructor, complemented the contestants on the outstanding quality and wide range of their menus.
St Albans Mayor CllrTeresa Heritage presented the trophies, congratulating all participants on the exceptional standard of the meals they created.
The winner goes onto represent St Albans at the upcoming district Young Chef’s competition in February.
