UCB students shine at Great Hospitality Show

A former paramedic turned trainee baker and a student chef with a taste for korma cheesecake were among UCB’s big winners at the Great Hospitality Show at the NEC.

Galyna Klymova Petrouis arrived in Birmingham from the Ukraine three years ago with no formal bakery training. But the 44-year-old won gold for her decorated celebration cake.

Galyna, who is studying Professional Bakery Level 3, said she is delighted to be pursuing a new career in the UK. She said: “When I arrived at college I had none of the skills which helped me to win gold. Now my ambition is to be a pastry chef at a hotel.”

Culinary Arts Management student Jack Reynolds swept the board at the Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s Foodservice Student Catering Challenge.

Jack won Best Gluten-Free Main Menu (arrabbiata poached cod with a gluten-free herb crust), Best Dessert (korma cheesecake, using a filling comprising cream cheese, vanilla, coconut milk and Jack’s korma sauce) and Best Overall Dish (for his dessert). The 20-year-old student also picked up a Silver Award and Best in Class.

Chef lecturer and mentor Lewis Walker said: “Jack absolutely nailed it with his innovative and creative menu, showcasing his culinary ability and professional approach. The judges and sponsors were more than impressed with his dishes, and to win all the awards across the board is a testament to his hard work and commitment to the competition.

“I know Jack would like to thank all the staff who were part of the process. It really was a team effort by the College of Food.”

Dawn Gemmell, Assistant Dean of the College of Food, said: “We are thrilled so many of our students excelled at this year’s Great Hospitality Show. It has to be one of our most successful years yet. It’s a great experience for our trainees to compete at such a high level.”

Here is the full list of UCB’s bakery winners at the show:

Gold

Galyna Klymova Petrouis      

Silver

Jessica Dalton                                

Charlotte Wakelyn                          

Kyshan Belshaw                                            

Bronze

Ravina Dhooper                          

Katie Garrett                                    

Karisha Brade                                                 

Georgina Idell Fellows                              

Merit

Lotty Lampitt                                   

Paige Simmons                                 

Charlotte Dugmore                      

Chelsea Collins

Participation Award

Bethany Swift   

Sonia Hopkins