rory chooses local teenager for cumbria young chef of 2012

Rory was a judge alongside Eric Robson of Cumbria Tourism at the final of the ‘Leading Hotels of Cumbria Young Chef 2012’ event on 4 February at Augill Castle, Brough, awarding Kirkby Stephen schoolgirl Fiona Lambert the top title of Cumbria’s Young Chef. The runner-up was Fiona’s friend and schoolmate Bethany Woof.

Fiona triumphed in the locally-organised cooking competition, launched by lead sponsors Simon and Wendy Bennett of Augill Castle. It aims to raise aspirations and awareness of training and career opportunities in the food industry, whilst inspiring and engaging talented young people to retain their skills in Cumbria.Following four rigorous rounds of testing involving other year 9/10 pupils (14/15 year-olds) from Appleby Grammar School, Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and Ullswater Community College, Fiona made it to the final, competing against fellow pupil Bethany to whip up a three course meal for four people with a limited budget of £20.”Fiona’s lunch was of an extraordinarily high standard, and was absolutely delicious,” said Rory. “Her pudding of Poached Pear with Caramel Sauce, Home-made Vanilla Ice Cream and a Ginger Biscuit was sublime and of a standard that exceeds many restaurant meals I have had. Bethany also deserves recognition for her delicious venison, and it was a very close call in the end, but ultimately we felt that Fiona’s menu, which was so ambitious, really delivered incredible results. It was an enormous honour to judge the competition, and I wish Fiona a very successful career ahead.”The competition is sponsored by six award-winning Cumbrian hotels, all of which are passionate about what they do: Augill Castle (lead sponsors), based near Kirkby Stephen, The Cottage in the Wood near Keswick, Gilpin Lodge in Windermere, Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel in Alston, Overwater Hall near Ireby and Temple Sowerby Country House Hotel near Penrith.