Melissa Johnson from The King’s School, Ottery St Mary, Devon has been crowned Junior South West Chef of the Year. The final, hosted at Ashburton Cookery School, Devon, on Saturday, October 4, was a highly competitive event.
Four young chefs aged 11 to 16 won their local heats to compete in the final. They were judged by an expert panel of chefs including Michael Caines MBE, Darrin Hosegrove, Ian Webber and Neil Haydock.
“The standard of cooking from all the Junior Chef finalists was exceptional and all the judges were reassured that the South West’s food industry is in safe hands for the future,” said two starred-Michelin chef, Michael Caines. “It is fantastic to see such young talent and so much passion, commitment and knowledge about regional produce. All of the dishes from the finalists were absolutely delicious and choosing a winner was a tough decision.”
To win the coveted prize, Melissa prepared a dish of roast ark chicken, chicken leg tortellini, smoked bacon, wild mushrooms, garlic and parmesan. The other finalists in the Junior South West Chef of the Year competition were:
*Kyeran Francis, Coln House School, Fairford, Gloucestershire, who cooked loin of pork with scrumpy sauce, candied walnuts, crisp
Built by Chefs. Powered by You.
For 17 years, The Staff Canteen has been the meeting place for chefs and hospitality professionals—your stories, your skills, your space.
Every recipe, every video, every news update exists because this community makes it possible.
We’ll never hide content behind a paywall, but we need your help to keep it free.
If The Staff Canteen has inspired you, informed you, or simply made you smile, chip in £3—less than a coffee—to keep this space thriving.
Together, we keep the industry connected. Together, we move forward.
