A Cornwall student has made the grand final of the South West Chef of the Year.

Lottie from Truro is studying Level 2 Food Beverage Professional Cookery at the award-winning Spires Restaurant at Truro College.

Lottie explains the College’s support to enter the competition has opened doors to some of the country’s best kitchens, providing a boost for her career prospects: “I have made so many connections. The whole experience has been amazing. I have work experience lined up in two Michelin-starred restaurants with offers from Paul Ainsworth and Michael Caines.”

Falmouth Packet: Lottie with top chef Paul AinsworthLottie with top chef Paul Ainsworth (Image: Truro College)

The aspiring young chef has already pick up tips from the best in the business too, including the newly crowned AA Chef’s, Chef of the Year, Paul Ainsworth. The Michelin-starred chef generously shared his knowledge with Lottie in her practical lesson during a one-to-one interaction on a visit to the College.

The College works closely with top industry professionals to give its students a taste of the profession they wish to enter, helping them to look, reach and go further in their future careers. Championing her course and its lecturers Lottie added: “The lectures have been so supportive, and I couldn’t have done this without them.”

The final, held at the end of the October, will showcase the region’s best future culinary talent and has launched many successful careers. Lottie’s peers and lecturers will be backing her to rise to the top.

Online applications are now open for students to start their journey at Truro and Penwith College in September 2024; www.truro-penwith.ac.uk.