Victoria Austin, Chef de Partie at
Highgate House in Creaton, has been crowned
‘Young Chef of the Year’ at the
Carlsberg Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2017/18.
Victoria, aged 21, scooped first place in the
‘Booker Young Chef of the Year’ category at the glittering awards dinner held on Wednesday 15th November at Northampton’s
Royal & Derngate.
The judges praised Victoria on her ‘
professional and calm approach’ and said that ‘
the combination of flavours in her refined panna cotta, served with poached plums and a ginger snap biscuit, was the title clincher.’
The competition, now in its ninth year, is aimed at celebrating all that is great about Northamptonshire produce and drink, recognising excellence within the county’s dining venues and rewarding those who work hard within the culinary sector.
Speaking about her success, Victoria said:
"
It was all a massive shock, I was up against some tough competition but I’m so thrilled to have won. It’s such a huge achievement for me and it’s really boosted my confidence. I’m so proud of myself and so happy that I have the support and guidance from my friends and family who I couldn’t have achieved any of this without. I’m excited to see where this takes me in the future and very excited to take part in my prize in the New Year, which is an experience in 2 Michelin star kitchens in London!”