District Win for Young Chef Jacob

Sussex Downs College student Jacob Cranch advances in Young Chef of the Year competition.

After his success in the preliminary rounds where he was chosen to represent Eastbourne in the Rotary Club Young Chef of the Year Competition, 16 year old Sussex Downs College student Jacob Cranch has continued his winning streak, triumphing at the District finals held on the 23^rd January at the New Line Learning Centre in Maidstone.

Jacob, who was up against competitors from Kent and East Sussex, said, “It was challenging getting used to an unfamiliar kitchen and keeping my focus throughout, but I really enjoyed the preparation and mentoring beforehand at college”.

The lead judge on the day was David Marshall, Executive Chef of the Atheneum Hotel in London. The Rotary members that chauffeured Jacob to the event said, “’Jacob greatly appreciated the advice he has been given after judging by three top chefs. He is not only a most talented young chef but a delightful fellow and we greatly enjoyed his company”.

His astounding performance at the District Competition means Jacob now proceeds to the South-East Regional final on Saturday 5th March, before hopefully leading to the National Final in Leicester on 23rd April.