Highlands College Jersey and Farnborough College of Technology win HEAT 2020 in Jersey

Highlands College Jersey and Farnborough College of Technology announced as joint winners of the Craft Guild of Chefs culinary competition HEAT in Jersey.

It was an unprecedented result at this year’s Heat competition in Jersey as two colleges took the title! The judges of the Craft Guild of Chefs event, Henry Brosi, Paul Gayler MBE and Stephen Scuffell just couldn’t call it.

Highlands College Jersey and Farnborough College of Technology were announced as joint winners at the gala awards night at St Brelade’s Bay Hotel.

Henry Brosi explained the dilemma that they faced as judges: “It was incredibly difficult to pick a winner this year. All three finalists raised the standard to a level we have never experienced since the start of this competition. All of them produced incredible dishes and delivered excellent service, which made it extremely hard for us to differentiate. After adding up all of the scores, the judges had awarded the same points to both teams! This is unheard of. Congratulations to everyone!“

Rising star chefs from colleges from Northern Ireland, Farnborough and Jersey battled it out in the kitchen and front of house at the final of the inter-college culinary competition Heat. A high-profile chef from each college location led their teams on March 10th and 11th March.

Each college cooked a four-course lunch or dinner that was judged by three top chefs in the UK catering industry at the Highlands Academy Restaurant in Jersey. Front of house students were judged on their level of service. Judges commented that the standard was exceptionally high.

Head Chef at Samphire Tommy Radiguet led the Jersey team from Highlands College, Robert McDonald oversaw the South Eastern Regional College from Bangor in Northern Ireland and Connor Godfrey from The Westbury, Mayfair, headed up the team from Farnborough.

The organisers Eileen Buicke-Kelly and Dave Chalk said: “This competition is all about the students and they have all worked tirelessly, practising and preparing for Heat 2020. All of the colleges taking part delivered outstanding services and exceptional food. They have loved visiting Jersey and it was a privilege hosting them. 

“Congratulations to both Farnborough and Jersey for winning Heat 2020. Both colleges delivered such a high standard in the kitchen and front of house that the judges couldn’t separate the two. Therefore, they awarded first prize to both colleges. It has been a fantastic competition and it has been great to see the students enjoy all that Jersey has to offer.”

The chefs gave up time in their own kitchens to mentor the students in the fourth year of the competition, in the hope to inspire them to continue their career in hospitality. Visiting student chefs also explored the island whilst they were on the island and they were taken to meet local suppliers to see some of Jersey’s best local produce and learn new skills.