Food & Drink
Published: February 19, 2024 | Updated: 19th February 2024
Love was in the air – and in the mixing bowl – when the next generation of cooks took part in a special Bake Off workshop.
The event, on Valentine’s Day, was held at City College Southampton and sponsored by Hampshire Fare, the county’s food and drink group.
Now in its third year, the annual workshop was established by Julie Hancock, Baker Lecturer in the college’s Hospitality and Catering Department.
It aims to be a fun way of raising awareness among Year 10 to 11 students – 14 to 15 year olds – of the career opportunities available within the hospitality sector.
Hampshire Fare’s sponsorship allows the workshop to be run at no cost to those attending, providing an equal opportunity for all students.
This year’s students came from schools across the region.
They were guided through the process of making Black Forest scones and chocolate scones with cherries and fresh cream.
A prize was awarded to the baker who produced the best scones, Isobel Rosie from Upper Shirley High School.
The judges were Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, and Matt Whitfield, Executive Group Chef, Ideal Collection.
One of the county’s top chefs, Matt started out at Eastleigh College.
His impressive career includes working for Marco Pierre White as well as a number of Michelin-starred establishments.
They included Eleven Madison Park in New York when it was voted best restaurant in the world.
Natasha said: “It has been such an enjoyable and worthwhile event.
“Hampshire Fare are passionate about educating the next generation.
“We are delighted to support City College Southampton’s initiative, helping to bridge the gap between school and college, and encourage young students to learn new skills and consider a rewarding career in a professional kitchen environment.
“Such workshops are an investment in the future of the hospitality sector.”
Matt added: ‘It was so positive to see such a good turnout for the Young Baker competition.
“To see kids leaving school showing such an interest in hospitality and local produce is fantastic and something we need to support because they are the future of our industry.”
Simon Hart, Senior Teacher for Hospitality, said: “It is essential for industry to support initiatives such as this to help build a positive image of the hospitality industry.
“Hampshire Fare are great at doing this and are investing their time and effort into educating the next generation of hospitality staff and consumers.”
Julie Hancock said: “Supporting the younger generations is at the heart of what we do.
“This is the third year that Hampshire Fare have kindly sponsored the Young Baker workshop.
“It is really important to get young people into this sector, where there are so many opportunities for them.”
