Two Professional Cookery students from Cornwall College have achieved national success at the Chefs’ Forum Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 competition.
Phoebe Mortimer, from the College’s Camborne campus, was crowned overall winner, while Lucy Hammett, from the St Austell campus, took third place. Phoebe and Lucy represented Cornwall College in the national final held at West London College.
Phoebe stood out for her technical ability and presentation skills, while Lucy impressed judges with a creative menu of Mango Pineapple Pavlova, Banoffee Bon Bons and Clotted Cream Fudge.
Phoebe said: “I have had such a wonderful day and this has been a fantastic experience and I am so grateful to my mum Lucy and my lecturers for all of their wonderful support.”
Lucy has been supported throughout her preparations by Study Programme Manager Steve Rudd and Associate Lecturer Alan Holloway.
Alan said: “Seeing our learners recognised in a national competition, judged by some of the top pastry chefs in the country, was just incredible. It’s such a proud and moving moment. To see their hard work pay off is everything.”
Fellow lecturer and Head Chef Supervisor at Cornwall College Camborne, Clyde Connellan, added: "We are incredibly proud of Phoebe and her achievement as a teaching team, it is a great honour to watch our learners excelling in their chosen pathways."
The competition, now firmly established as a key fixture in the culinary calendar, attracts elite student chefs from colleges across the UK. The conditions are designed to test students’ professional kitchen skills in a timed environment, with each finalist tasked with producing a dessert and two different petit four under scrutiny from leading figures in the hospitality industry.
Martin Chiffers, Joint Head Judge and International Pastry Consultant, said: “I’m very proud that Cornwall College did so well, with two students on the podium. I started there in 1984 and had a fantastic start to my career. All of the students were extremely professional, dedicated, and passionate about their work.”
Franciane Tartari, Joint Head Judge, added: “Congratulations to Phoebe Mortimer from Cornwall College, her artistry, skill, kindness and composure truly set her apart as a deserving winner. The future of British pâtisserie is in brilliant hands.”
To find out more about courses available at your local outstanding college, visit cornwall.ac.uk
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