Cornwall College Takes Top Spots at National Pastry Competition

Published On: 19 May 2025Last Updated: 19 May 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Cornwall College Camborne student chef Phoebe Mortimer came first in the Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition 2025. Here Phoebe is pictured alongside Head Judges Martin Chiffers and Franciane Tartari

Success for Cornwall’s Young Chefs

Two Cornwall College students have achieved top honours in a national pastry competition, beating aspiring chefs from across the country.

Phoebe Mortimer, based at the Camborne campus, was crowned the overall winner at the Chefs’ Forum Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 final. Lucy Hammett, from the St Austell campus, secured third place. The national final was held at West London College and featured some of the UK’s most promising culinary students.

Winning Dishes and Praise from Judges

Phoebe was recognised for her technical ability and presentation, while Lucy wowed the panel with a creative menu including Mango Pineapple Pavlova, Banoffee Bon Bons and Clotted Cream Fudge.

Phoebe said:

“I have had such a wonderful day and this has been a fantastic experience and I am so grateful to my mum Lucy and my lecturers for all of their wonderful support.”

The students were supported in their training by Study Programme Manager Steve Rudd and Associate Lecturer Alan Holloway.

Alan said:

“Seeing our learners recognised in a national competition, judged by some of the top pastry chefs in the country, was just incredible. It’s such a proud and moving moment. To see their hard work pay off is everything.”

Clyde Connellan, Head Chef Supervisor at Cornwall College Camborne, added:

“We are incredibly proud of Phoebe and her achievement as a teaching team, it is a great honour to watch our learners excelling in their chosen pathways.”

📷Cornwall College Camborne student chef Phoebe Mortimer competing in the Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition 2025

A Competition That Demands the Best

The Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition is a key fixture in the culinary calendar. Each finalist is asked to create a dessert and two different petit fours in a timed kitchen environment, judged by leading professionals from the hospitality industry.

Martin Chiffers, Joint Head Judge and International Pastry Consultant, said:

“I’m very proud that Cornwall College did so well, with two students on the podium. I started there in 1984 and had a fantastic start to my career. All of the students were extremely professional, dedicated, and passionate about their work.”

Franciane Tartari, also Joint Head Judge, said:

“Congratulations to Phoebe Mortimer from Cornwall College, her artistry, skill, kindness and composure truly set her apart as a deserving winner. The future of British pâtisserie is in brilliant hands.”

To find out more about courses available at your local outstanding college, visit cornwall.ac.uk.