The heat was on as pupils swapped their notebooks for saucepans and battled to become the winner of a Masterchef-inspired challenge.

Six Hinchley Wood School students and one of the school’s receptionists stirred, mixed, whisked and baked their way through Wednesday, November 27, to secure the coveted title, which was handed over by Michael Collins and Vincent Gerbeau of Retro Bistrot, Teddington.

Each participant had to produce a main course and a dessert, with no limit on choice of ingredients but with a budget of £12.

Cooking began at 2pm and judging commenced at 4pm, and culinary whizzes had to prepare, cook and clean up in the two hour slot.

Nico Takhar, 15, a year 10 pupil, walked away with the trophy after creating winning dishes of pan fried venison on a bed of mash and white wine jus and apple crumble with crème anglais.

Nico said: “I was really pleased and a bit surprised when they said my name, as I thought some parts of my dishes didn’t go as well as I would have liked.

“But the judges seemed to like everything I cooked so I must have got it right overall. I’m really looking forward to meeting Vince and Mike again especially as it will be when I go to their restaurant. I’m hoping to pick up some good tips.”

Mr Gerbeau, owner and maitre d’ of Retro Bistrot, said Nico won due to his confident use of ingredients.

 

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