Young chocolatier at William Curley wins UK Junior Chocolate Masters

The Staff Canteen

Melissa Paul, chef and chocolatier at William Curley has won the UK Junior Chocolate Masters competition which took place last week at the UK Chocolate Academy Centre in Banbury.

The runner up was Samantha Rain, a chocolatier at Roccoco. The other contestants were: Kelly-Rose Townshend, Pastry Chef at Eton College; Jack Whittick, Student at Hopwood College; Glen Sharman, Pastry Chef at PennyHill Park Hotel and Spa.

During the eight-hour competition the contestants had to produce a chocolate showpiece with a minimum height of one metre, moulded or dipped praline and a plated dessert. All of these had to reflect this year’s theme of the competition ‘Architecture of Taste’.

The standard was exceptionally high from all contestants which made judging a particularly hard task for the three Judges – Callebaut Ambassador Gary Hunter from Westminster Kingsway College, Previous UK Chocolate Master John Costello from Nestle and Ross Sneddon from Haydens Bakeries.

Head of the Judges, Gary Hunter said: I have not seen such a talented group of young British chocolatiers and pastry chefs in a single competition ever! They analyzed and composed their flavours with great attention to detail and consideration, which impressed all of the jury. It is a testament to Barry Callebaut’s vision and commitment to support young artisans in their development and I am confident that we have a bright future ahead of us for artisan chocolate work.”

Photo credit: Martin Chiffers

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 13th June 2013

Young chocolatier at William Curley wins UK Junior Chocolate Masters