Two Kendal College students – part of the Simon Rogan Academy – have been named seafood chefs of the year in a national competition.
Keira Carolan and Dylan Evans won the regional heat of the National Seafood Chef of the Year last month and took on other regional winners in the grand final.
The competition is open to all full-time and college-based modern apprentice chefs under the age of 25 and gives competitors a chance to demonstrate their skills, and further develop their understanding of how to use and source sustainable seafood.
The duo battled it out against students from Sunderland College, Scarborough TEC, Boston College, West London College, Salford College, City of Westminster College, University College Birmingham and Llandrillo College for the coveted title and were victorious.
Kendal College chef lecturer Andy Salt said: ‘’I’m really proud of Kiera and Dylan and their combined achievement. The way they represented the Simon Rogan Academy and Kendal College is a credit to them both.
“The commitment and dedication they showed to entering the National Seafood competition was second to none.
“Through the heats they’ve demonstrated their passion and professionalism, all the while receiving glowing praise from leading industry experts.
“Winning this award is a credit to their hard work. It also showcases the wealth of talent coming through the ranks of the Simon Rogan Academy run in conjunction with Kendal College, demonstrating both the skills of the participants and the opportunities that are being developed through the apprenticeship programme.”
Marcin Maryniak, Simon Rogan Restaurant Group’s head of HR and recruitment, added: ‘’I’m so pleased for Keira and Dylan, their hard work and dedication has paid off and they’ve rightly earned the plaudits as a result.
“This is exactly what the partnership between Kendal College and the Simon Rogan Academy is about, nurturing talent and equipping students with the skills to realise their true potential and to play a part in helping the next generation of UK chefs embark on a successful career.’’
