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Young restaurant team of the year finalists say ‘we’re going to leave everything on the table’ in a bid to win top honours

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Three teenagers from «Ƶ have made it through to the final stages of a national cooking and hospitality competition.

The talented trio from «Ƶ have navigated two tough rounds in the contest.

Having successfully progressed through the heats and a semi-final at Lainston House in Winchester, where they cooked and served three dishes and a selection of drinks, they will now travel to Sheffield in July this year, where they hope to win the top prize.

Saxon Barnwell, 18, from Helmingham, is studying on a level 2 professional cookery course. His role was as a sommelier and front of house expert. Reflecting on getting this far, Saxon said: “It’s been a great experience meeting people from across the country, talking to judges and massive names in industry. I’ve got a lot out of it. We put in months of work, and now we have a chance to win the top prize. We are going to leave everything on the table (to claim top spot).”

Young female restaurant team finalist at «Ƶ preparing dishes in a professional kitchen, demonstrating culinary skills and teamwork for the competition.
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Sophie Robb, 18, from Badingham, is on a level 3 professional cookery course. Sophie said, “This can really put us in the shop window. Winning this, I think, will help us get higher up in the industry.”

A young female culinary student at «Ƶ carefully preparing a dish in the college's professional kitchen, demonstrating skills for a national restaurant competition.

Jasper Mardell, 18, from Ipswich, is on a level 3 patisserie course and will be cooking the dessert. He said: “My friends were involved last year and they have given us some top tips. I just want to have fun and get better as a chef, learn, absorb and get as much out of it as I can.”

Daniel Russell-Poole is supporting the team in his role as a chef lecturer at the college. He said, “Our students have been working incredibly hard. They are a great team, and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their talents against some of the best young chefs in the country.”

Posted 18 March 2026
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