A 19-year-old student from the City of Bristol College has beaten more than 100 other entrants to win the Gordon Ramsay Scholar 2003 College title.
Josh Eggleton, who has never entered a competition before, was joined by five other competitors for the final, held recently at London's Pétrus restaurant. "I never expected to do so well," he admitted.
The finalists were given a mystery box of ingredients on the day, and asked to produce a two-course meal, main and dessert, for four people. Eggleton's winning effort was pork wrapped in Parma ham served with a celeriac purée and Madeira sauce, followed by caramel spike with soft meringues, crème anglaise and fresh raspberries.
For his prize, Eggleton will receive £1,000 and a trip to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a vineyard in Europe, as well as the chance to compete in the grand final later this year on 29 October, where he will be up against the four regional winners from the main Gordon Ramsay Scholar competition.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 22 - 28 May 2003