Will Torrent named 2010 Acorn Scholar
Will Torrent, pastry chef at Bachmann's Patisserie & Chocolate Creations in Thames Ditton, Surrey, has been named the 2010 Acorn Scholar.
Torrent, 23, who is the eighth scholar, impressed a judging panel including Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Michael Caines with his passion and ambition to open his own patisserie, teaching business and Champagne and dessert bar.
He received a £2,000 bursary; £1,500 worth of Learnpurple training; a trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg and free Springboard UK Ambassador training as well as mentoring.
Torrent, who beat 11 other finalists to win the scholarship, has already won several awards, including the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef of the Year Award 2009. In 2007, he competed in the International WorldSkills Competition in Japan, where he was the first British chef to be awarded a medallion of excellence.
Michael Caines, who presented Torrent with his award, said his ambition and passion really stood out.
"He gave an excellent presentation and was able to identify exactly where he wants to be in five years time and how the Scholarship can help," Caines said.
"At just 23, Will has already had a huge amount of success thanks to his determination and go-get attitude. We have no doubt that he is a worthy winner of the Acorn Scholarship and look forward to helping him achieve great things."
Torrent added: "Winning the Acorn Scholarship is such an honour. I have seen what last year's winner, Simone Sylvestre, has achieved and it's incredible to think that I will have the same opportunity.
"I can't wait to meet with my mentors and plan the year ahead, it's like a dream come true."
The Acorn Scholarship is designed to help exceptional young hospitality professionals achieve their ambitions and become ambassadors for UK hospitality.
Joel Fagg, food and beverage manager at Barcelo Hotels and Resorts, was highly commended for his enthusiasm and well thought-out presentation. Acorn Scholarship judge, Christian Armstrong, head of human resources, Thistle Hotel Group, will be mentoring Fagg in the coming months.
Compass catering manager is 2009 Acorn Scholar >>
UK hospitality contestants win two medals at WorldSkills event >>
Find out more about the Acorn Scholarship here >>
By Kerstin Kühn
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