Ye Olde Bell hosts MasterChef Challenge for budding chefs

Talented young people from around north Nottinghamshire were given the chance to experience the drama of a professional kitchen during the finals of the Schools MasterChef Challenge, organised by Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant at Barnby Moor. The three finalists, Jared Storey from the Elizabethan Academy, Valentina Sema Giraldo from Retford Oaks and Sophie Grant from Tuxford Academy, were competing for the chance to spend a day working in the kitchen alongside restaurant and bistro head chef Richard Allen. The students had already battled it out in the semi-finals to become winners of their respective schools. As part of the challenge, Jared, Valentina and Sophie were asked to produce a two-course using fresh ingredients costing £10 or less within a given time period. Richard gave the students an induction on the hotel equipment and safety procedures before equipping them with chefs' hats, aprons, ingredients and utensils. And in true showbiz style, a live TV screen direct from the hotel kitchens enabled family and tutors to see their students preparing their dishes, which were then judged by Richard and fellow staff members Lindsey and Billy on a range of elements including composition of balanced nutrients, taste, visual presentation, workmanship and time planning. All the students were praised for their passion, enthusiasm and skill and the final results were extremely close - but in the end, Valentina was named overall winner. She received the coveted Ye Olde Bell Hotel MasterChef trophy, a certificate, branded apron, a meal for four guests at the hotel. She will, of course, also spend a full day working with Chef Richard in the hotel kitchens. The winning trophy had been designed and made by the schools and each semi-finalist also received certificates and a voucher for Sunday lunch at the hotel. Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Restaurant is the perfect treat for foodies whatever the occasion. Enjoy an aperitif at St Leger Bar before a relaxed meal at the bistro or experience cutting-edge cuisine at Restaurant Bar 1650. You can also treat yourself to Sunday lunch, afternoon tea or private dining for a truly memorable visit. Take a look at the website to find out more. (Picture credit: Logic PR Photography).