A trio of trainee chefs from New City College were crowned UK champions following an exciting live ‘cook-off’ at the final of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2022.

Victor Okunowo is the head chef of London’s Talking Drum restaurant and was a semi-finalist of Masterchef: The Professionals 2020.

A former student at NCC’s Redbridge College, Victor says that studying Professional Cookery and Restaurant Management at the college in Chadwell Heath, was what kick-started his career.

New City College trainee chefs Samuel Paoli, Maria Carbone and Paulo Dela Cruz, have made it through to the grand final of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2022.

The Country Range competition is a prestigious culinary contest which has become a firm fixture in the catering industry’s calendar.

A Ukrainian Benefit Night to raise funds for UNICEF is being held at OKN1 Restaurant next week in support of two New City College students from Ukraine.

The special evening, on Thursday 17th March 2022, will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture with traditional music and a three-course menu of authentic Ukrainian cuisine.