TUCO Competition 2016 winners revealed
The Universities of Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds were among the big winners at the University Caterers Organisation's (TUCO) 23rd competition earlier this week.
More than 140 competitors took part in the two-day event, which marked the first venue change in the history of the competition, after 22 years in Blackpool.
This year's competition took place at the University of Warwick on 21-22 March and the winners were announced at a gala dinner.
A variety of hospitality skills were put to the test including cookery challenges, service standards, bar and barista work, and cake decorating.
Julie Barker, chair of TUCO, said a record number of entries had been received this year and described the event as hugely successful.
She said: "Skills are the lifeblood of the industry. I feel honoured to be part of this event."
Full list of 2016 winners
Bar Skills Competition
- Gold - Sam Walker, University of Manchester
- Silver - Jasmin Turner, Royal Holloway, University of London
- Bronze - Ben Foll, University of Reading
- Best Speciality Cocktail - Ben Foll, University of Reading
Street Food Chef of the Year
- Gold - Matthew Crooks, University of East Anglia
- Silver - Janet Szypillo, University of Exeter
- Bronze - Stuart Mitchell, University of Edinburgh
- Best Newcomer - Stuart Mitchell, University of Edinburgh
Campus Speed Cook Challenge
- Gold - Rohan Wadke, Forth Valley College
- Silver - Karol Zelek, University of Edinburgh
- Bronze - Louise Chatfield, Staffordshire University
Service Skills Challenge
- Gold - Samantha Chick, University of Warwick
- Silver - Adam Finney, University of Birmingham
- Bronze - Jacqui Cattle, University of Cambridge
- Best Table Lay-Up - Emma Cullen, University of Edinburgh
Barista Skills Challenge
- Gold - Gemma Wright, University of Birmingham
- Silver - Andrea Galanska, Imperial College London
- Bronze - Matt Haw, Lancaster University
- Best Speciality Drink - Emelise Vassallo
Chefs' Challenge
- Gold - Stewart Turner and Michael Kitchin, University of Birmingham
- Silver - Simon Wood and Lisa Hall, University of Leeds
- Bronze - Tracy Carr and Joe Berry, University of Sheffield
- Highly Commended Menu - Aaron Tong and Nick Denning, University of Exeter and Steven Roberson and Stevan Bedward, Imperial College London
- Best Hygiene - Simon Wood and Lisa Hall, University of Leeds
TUCO Innovation Awards:
New Concept - University of Winchester (Gourmet Burger Concept)
Student Experience - Royal Holloway, University of London (Street Food Initiative)
Marketing - University of Leeds (A Refreshing Change Campaign)
Salon Culinaire
Best in Salon - Jackie Rowlands, University of Chester
Gold - Matthew Carter, University of Cambridge; Ruth Hanlon, University of St Andrews; Jacqui Lowe, Loughborough University; Sara Glassett, Royal Holloway, University of London; Rob Hattersley, University of Sheffield; Szczepann Kunowski, University of Cambridge; Stephan Mather, University of Cambridge; Sam Mills, University of Exeter; Jackie Rowlands, University of Chester; Lucy Stokes, University of Reading; Robert Stordy, University of Derby and Ricard Williams, University of Chester
Silver - Sharon Chandler, Royal Holloway, University of London; Mary Fry, University of Warwick; Ravi Kanthiya, Royal Holloway, University of London and Anton Kuznecov, University of Cambridge
Bronze - Karl Blythin, University of Chester; Darren Boddy, University of Chester; Jayne Dawson, University of Leicester; Donato Dondiego, Royal Holloway, University of London; Peter Fry, University of Warwick; Ruth Hanlon, University of St Andrews; Szczepan Kunowski, University of Cambridge; Tony Maio, University of Cambridge; Elizabeth McKenzie, University of St Andrews; Nicky Stanbury, University of Exeter and Janice Stephenson, University of Manchester
Merit - Lesley Barnes, University of Chester; Sara Glassett, Royal Holloway, University of London; Elizabeth McKenzie, University of St Andrews; Lorraine McLoughlin, University of Brighton; Sam Mills, University of Exeter; Nicky Stanbury, University of Exeter; Janice Stephenson, University of Manchester; Lucy Stokes, University of Reading; Robert Stordy, University of Derby and Carol Vallejo, Royal Holloway, University of London