Newcastle College picked up top honours at this year’s North East Culinary Trade Association (NECTA) Competition, including the North East Chef of the Year title for Phil Pringle, curriculum leader of hospitality and tourism at the college.
The college also came out on top in each team category and was placed first in the food service round before being named Culinary Team of the Year and College of the Year. Students collected 12 gold medals in total with Level 2 Patisserie and Confectionery student Megan Armstrong awarded the gold for best student.
Phil Pringle beat many of the best chefs in the region to win the top prize with his menu of spiced sautéed scallops, trio of pork and Petite Antoine. He said: “To be named North East Chef of 2018 is an amazing feeling. I’m so passionate about what I do and my aim is to pass that passion on to our students and show them what they can achieve, so I hope that my win on top of their own successes in the competition has inspired them.”
