18th Mar 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Fifteen-year-old Bradley Johnson from Northern Ireland wowed top chefs such as Paul Merrett and David Everitt-Matthias at the FutureChef final at Westminster Kingsway College yesterday, beating off stiff competition from 12 other aspiring young chefs to be named FutureChef 2008.
Celebrity chef Brian Turner compered the event, which is organised by the Springboard Charitable Trust, and presented Johnson with an array of prizes including £500 courtesy of City & Guilds; a week's work experience at David Everitt-Matthias's restaurant, courtesy of Fairy by P&G Professional; two tickets for the Bunzl Lockhart corporate box at Arsenal FC's Emirates stadium; and a Center Parcs mid-week or weekend break.
Runner-up Jonathan Hotchiss, 16, from Arden School in the West Midlands won a two-day Royal Ascot experience for him and his parents, courtesy of Sodexo. Third place went to 16-year-old Ben McKevitt from the John O'Gaunt Technology College, the South East England finalist, who wins a day's cooking with a celebrity chef at a famous London venue including an overnight stay and dinner, courtesy of the Compass Group. Fourteen-year-old Luke Thomas from Connah's Quay High School in Wales came fourth and will enjoy a three-day taster experience in the kitchens of a Thistle hotel.