Celebrating Young Culinary Talent at the Young Cooks Competition 2025 Final in Medway, Kent
- Chefs Wardrobe
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
On June 11, 2025, Mid Kent College in Gillingham, Kent, became a vibrant center of youthful culinary talent as it hosted the final of the Young Cooks Competition 2025, organised by Social Enterprise Kent. The energy and excitement in the air made it clear: this event was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of young chefs’ enthusiasm and creativity in the culinary world.
The Young Cooks Competition has established itself as a much-anticipated event in the region, providing a platform for students of all ages to showcase their culinary skills. This initiative encourages participants to take an interest in cooking, food and nutrition whilst also developing essential skills like budgeting, kitchen skills, and creative problem-solving.
The competition was no easy feat. Competitors aged 8-18 were tasked with preparing a main course for two using a selection of six specific ingredients from a provided list. The 16+ category were challenged to design, prep and serve a 3-course meal. They were tested using professional kitchen equipment at Mid-Kent College's catering department; an environment many of them had not previously experienced. To ensure the competition was fair and mimicked real life they had to keep their total ingredient costs under £20.00. This aspect not only tested their culinary skills, but also pushed them to manage their time efficiently, budget wisely, and perform under pressure.
This year's event showcased a fantastic range of participants, all eager to stand out with their creativity. Many students spent weeks perfecting their recipes at home, experimenting with flavours and techniques, their parents having been guinea-pigs for their creations! One thing that stood out was that there wasn't a chicken nugget or sausage in sight; the children utilised herbs, spices and seasoning and they wasn't afraid to use it resulting in some spectacularly tasty (and hot!) food.
We watched contestants moving deftly through the kitchen, chopping, sautéing, and plating their dishes while racing against the clock. The kitchen was a whirlwind of delightful scents, and each dish reflected the hours of practice and passion put in by the young chefs. The skills and dedication they demonstrated were outstanding.
The judges were meticulous in tasting each creation, quizzing the students whilst scribbling notes. Contestants were evaluated on creativity and menu planning, flavour, presentation, and how well contestants adhered to the budget. The feedback was constructive, aimed at helping young chefs learn and grow from their experiences and encouraging them to enjoy the day. Many were eager to hear insights from industry professionals right on the spot.
As the day progressed, anticipation grew for the announcement of winners in the Primary, Secondary, and 16+ categories. Each group had its unique energy, and it was a privilege to see the young talents bring their culinary dreams to life.
After a nerve-wracking wait filled with suspense, it was time to celebrate and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these young culinary stars. Their creativity and determination were clear and the results of all of the competitors was amazing, making the judges job extremely difficult.
Winners of the Young Cooks Competition Final:
Primary School Category: Thomas Stokes, Age 11
Secondary School Category: Felicity Smith, Age 13
16+ Category: Maisie Bradley, Age
The announcements were met with cheers and applause, and the joy on the faces of the winners highlighted the significance of their achievements. It was a moment of pride—not just for the winners, but for their parents, teachers and support staff as well as all the participants who had learned so much through this experience.
Looking back, the Young Cooks Competition at Mid Kent College was an great success. It provided an exceptional platform for young chefs to showcase their skills while learning vital lessons that will help them not only in their culinary careers but life skills too. Events like this highlight the growing interest in cooking among younger generations, fueling their passion and inspiring them to explore future careers in hospitality which can only be a good thing!
We feel honoured to have been part of this vibrant event and eagerly anticipate next year's competition with entries all ready rolling in! I look forward to seeing what new talent and recipe innovations await us. Let's continue to support our young chefs, as they are truly the future of our kitchens.
If you would like to find out more about Young Cooks or would like to get involved then please visit https://sekgroup.org.uk/support/sek-schools/young-cooks-competition/ to find out more or email s.wallace@sekgroup.org.uk
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