Video: Luke Thomas wins FutureChef 2009 competition

Luke Thomas has been named Springboard’s FutureChef 2009, after beating 11 other competitors in a grand final cook-off at London’s Westminster Kingsway College on Monday.

Wales finalist Thomas, from Connah’s Quay High School, will now enjoy work experience at Gary Rhodes Michelin-starred restaurant W1 in London as well as an all-expenses trip to Rome courtesy of Hilton and a cheque for £500 from City & Guilds.

The event, hosted by FutureChef chairman Brian Turner, saw 15-year old Thomas, who finished third last year, announced winner after a two hour, two course cook-off. 

His rack of lamb with creamed savoy cabbage, shallot tarte tatin and rosemary jus and his double chocolate soufflé with orange and ginger confit impressed a panel of judges including Michael Caines, Brian Turner and Cyrus Todiwala, chaired by David Mulcahy, craft and food development director at Sodexo. 

“It might sound a cliché, but the standard at this competition gets better and better year on year and Luke is a very worthy winner winner,” said Mulcahy. 

Watch the video here:

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By Tom Vaughan

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