Video: Apprentice chef picks up three gold medals in Sodexo competition

Apprentice chef Stephanie Olliff, picked up three gold awards and took the Sodexo Apprentice Chef of the Year title at the catering giant's salon culinaire event last week.

The salon, held at Ascot, saw a record number of entries this year from Sodexo chefs across the UK and Ireland.

Olliff was one of more than 400 chefs to compete for various titles, including the newly created "Sodexo Apprentice Chef of the Year" award, where she stole the show after picking up gold awards in three junior skills classes.

David Mulcahy, Sodexo craft and food development director, said: "I'm really pleased with the standard that was on show in the competitions, in what is a key date in the craft development calendar.

"The salon is not only a great way to showcase our chefs' work but it is a great opportunity for people across our business to reward and recognise the aspiring talent that is available to us at the company".

The event also included a number of demonstrations which concentrated on topical food issues such using game or other seasonal produce in dishes or cooking for those with allergies such as gluten intolerances.

Competitions judges included Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, from The Hand and Flowers, in Marlow and television chefs and food writers Silvena Rowe and Sophie Wright.