Young chef and landlord launches competition to encourage the next generation of talent
Twenty-three year-old Gordon Stott, landlord of Hampshire gastro pub The Sun Inn, is running the contest at his local Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) at the end of June.
Students will compete in a two heat challenge which includes preparing a two-course meal for guests at The Society of St.James, a charity that supports homeless people in Hampshire.
Diners will be asked to donate money based on what they feel the meal would be worth in a restaurant, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Stott said: “With over 15 per cent of the UK’s 16-24 year olds currently unemployed, it’s not easy for young people leaving college and hoping for a stable job in the industry. Having been there myself I want to show young chefs that with self-belief, hard work and determination, they can also achieve great things.”
The winning chef will be crowned The Sun Inn Master Chef 2015, receive a prize from the catering equipment supplier Nisbets, and win a meal for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Duncan Brammall, head of hospitality and catering at BCoT, said he was excited for his students to be involved with Stott and The Sun Inn.
“The School of Hospitality and Catering Studies has a long tradition of entering our learners in competitions. This ranges from the prestigious silver medal at Hotelympia, the finals of Nestles Torque D’Or, and the annual Armed Services Chefs Challenge," he said.
“Hopefully this experience will provide a valuable springboard for our students as they progress from college into the world of work and full time employment.”
Stott joined The Sun Inn as sous chef in 2010, and was appointed landlord and head chef 18 months later aged 20.
He is one of the youngest people in the country to hold the dual position, and is shortlisted for Pub Chef of the Year award at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards taking place on 15 June.
