TLC Care was proud to be part of the first round of the Rotary Young Chef Competition, hosted by Brookmans Park Rotary, where local students showcased impressive skill, creativity and confidence in the kitchen.
Congratulations to a talented student from Chancellor’s School, who cooked her way to victory with a beautifully executed two-course menu. The winner presented a rack of lamb with garlic mash, mint sauce and jus, followed by a jam tartlet with coulis and cream—an impressive combination that stood out not only for flavour, but also for presentation and technique.
The competition challenged young chefs to prepare a healthy two-course meal for two people, using ingredients costing no more than £18—a valuable test of planning, organisation and smart cooking on a budget. TLC Care representatives Stuart Keown (Resident Experience Manager of Food & Beverage) and Dawn Cawley (Business Development Manager, TLC Cooperscroft) joined Neil Kirby of Brookmans Park Rotary on the judging panel, assessing each dish on organisation, technique, presentation and flavour, while supporting and encouraging every competitor throughout the day.
The standard across the competition was exceptional. As Stuart shared with the students, he arrived expecting familiar classics, but was delighted to see a diverse range of international dishes from young chefs aged 11 to 16—reflecting both talent and imagination.
As part of celebrating this achievement, the winning recipes will be introduced across TLC Care homes, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the dishes. In addition, “dish of the day” — a sticky toffee pudding — will be cooked for residents at TLC Cooperscroft Care Home in Potters Bar, bringing the competition experience directly into our community.
The winner now progresses to the next stage of this four-round competitio and will compete against other school winners from Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, on the journey toward the national final. We wish all of them every success and extend our thanks to Brookmans Park Rotary, the students, and Chancellor’s School for welcoming TLC Care into such a positive and inspiring initiative.
The Rotary Young Chef Competition is one of several national Rotary programmes designed to help young people develop skills and confidence in a supportive environment—creating opportunities that can shape future careers and ambitions.
TLC Care extends its thanks to Brookmans Park Rotary, Chancellor’s School, and the talented students who took part for welcoming us into such a positive and inspiring initiative that supports young people to develop life skills and future opportunities.
