Young chef from Horsham wins national competition

A young chef from Horsham has created a stir in the final of this year’s Rotary Young Chef competition, in association with olive oil brand Filippo Berio.

14 year old Jordan Powell, who was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Horsham, and mentored at South Lodge Hotel, beat eight other competitors to win the National Finals of the Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland’s ‘Young Chef’ Competition in Cheltenham on April 27.

His prize is a trip of a lifetime to Italy, courtesy of Filippo Berio, where Jordon will experience real Italian cooking. He will also enjoy a day’s cooking tuition at a top London restaurant, and on the day received a trophy and a £250 cash prize.

When Jordan won the local heat of the 2012 competition his prize was to spend a day in the kitchen at South Lodge Hotel.

“Winning the competition has meant so much to me but it would not have been possible without the inspirational chefs at South Lodge,” said Jordan.

“Being with them has changed the way I see and use food and I can’t wait to learn new things. I want to thank all of them!”

Executive Chef at South Lodge Lewis Hamblet has mentored Jordon and said: “I am personally very proud of Jordon and I’m sure that Forest school and the Horsham Rotary are delighted too.