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Former Queenborough pupil, Eden Allsworth, who now attends Highsted Grammar in Sittingbourne, returns for cook of the year seconds

Highsted Grammar School student Eden Allsworth, who retained the senior title in the Kent Young Chef Awards, with celebrity chef Richard Phillips
Highsted Grammar School student Eden Allsworth, who retained the senior title in the Kent Young Chef Awards, with celebrity chef Richard Phillips

A young chef has defended her title in a cooking competition.

Former Queenborough Primary School pupil Eden Allsworth, who now attends Highsted Grammar School in Sittingbourne, won the senior category of the Kent Young Chef Awards for the second year running following a live cook-off.

Her salt-marsh lamb cooked three ways, accompanied
by chickpea and butternut squash ragout and buttered black cabbage, won over the panel of judges, which was led by celebrity chef Richard Phillips.

The 15-year-old said: “This is the last year I can enter, so I really hoped I could retain my title.

“I have had so many opportunities after winning last year, and that has given me the confidence to push myself in the kitchen.

“I practised the dish at least six, times and am really happy how it turned out.”

Ben Colley, from Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, also held on to his junior title with a modern venison and bone marrow burger, triple cooked chips, burnt onion rings, ‘Ben’s burger sauce’ and a vanilla milkshake.

The pair were presented with a trophy, cooking equipment and a week’s experience at Rowhill Grange Hotel in Dartford.

Eden Allsworth's salt marsh lamb cooked three ways accompanied by chickpea and butternut squash ragout and buttered black cabbage won over the panel of judges led by celebrity chef Richard Phillips
Eden Allsworth's salt marsh lamb cooked three ways accompanied by chickpea and butternut squash ragout and buttered black cabbage won over the panel of judges led by celebrity chef Richard Phillips

They will join the head chef at the Windmill in Hollingbourne to design a three-course menu for the Kent Young Chef Award Charity Dinner in aid of mental health charity MIND.

The dinner will be held at the restaurant on January 23, with tickets priced £28 available direct from the venue.

Mr Phillips said: “The winning dishes were remarkable, and Eden and Ben have benefitted greatly from the experience of winning last year.

“This definitely showed in their cooking techniques, professionalism in the kitchen and their confidence.”

A total of eight finalists took part in the live final held at K College in Tonbridge on November 22.

The senior runners-up were Ciara McGauley, 14, from Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge; Priya Reynolds, 13, from Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne; and Billy-Joe Simmons from Harbour Specialist School, Dover.

The three junior runner-ups were Samuel Harman, 13, from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham; Kieran Jones, 11, from Swadelands School, Lenham; and Lottie Lindsay, 11, from Combe Bank School in Sevenoaks.

All finalists received a
certificate, a Rubens Apple hamper and an invitation
from Mr Phillips to spend a day in one of his restaurant kitchens.

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