Young Cooks
Welcome to Young Cooks, where young culinary enthusiasts can take part in a thrilling journey into the world of flavours, creativity, and lifelong skills.
2027 Competition
This program is designed to ignite your passion for cooking and uncover the chef within you. Young people are invited to take part in our Young Cooks cookery competition with the winners receiving a share of £600! In addition, a finalist will be selected to cook at a Showcase Lunch at The Dog in Wingham and may have the opportunity to attend a master class with an award-winning chef!
Why Enter?
• Showcase your culinary skills to a panel of judges
• Chance to win a share of £600
• Chance of an exclusive invite to attend a showcase lunch at The Dog Wingham
• Chance to attend a Master Class at Brakes HQ
Live Finals now take place at both East Kent College Broadstairs and Mid Kent College Medway
Please read carefully
All entries should include:
- A list of ingredients
- The method used to prepare the dish(es)
- A breakdown of the cost of each dish
- A photo of the dish(es) you have prepared
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16 + Entry requirements
Your entry should be a 3 course meal for 2 people
The cost of 2 portions of your 3 dishes should not exceed £20.00 in total.
You have a time limit of 2.5 hours in which to prepare the dishes and clear away.
Entry Requirements
Please read carefully
For primary and secondary entries,
your dish should consist of a main course using at least 6 items from the following list:
Potatoes Leeks Mushrooms
Rice Butter Stock Cubes
Pasta Flour Carrots
Milk Garlic Tinned Tomatoes
Onions Eggs Meat
Beans Pulses Fish
Lentils
You may add other ingredients to those from the list above, but the cost of 4 portions of your dish should not exceed £16.00.
You have a time limit of 1.5 hours in which to prepare the dish and clear away.
Deadline 31st January 2027
If you are not able to use a google form to submit your entry, please email us and we will provide an alternative mode of entry.
Young Cooks Final Photo Gallery 2026 East Kent College
Take a look at the photo gallery from the Young Cooks final held at East Kent College – 2026.
Young Cooks Final Photo Gallery 2026 West Kent College
Take a look at the photo gallery from the Young Cooks final held at West Kent College – 2026.
Young Cooks Final Photo Gallery 2025 Broadstairs College
Take a look at the photo gallery from the Young Cooks final held at Broadstairs College – March 2025.
Young Cooks Final Photo Gallery 2025 Mid Kent College
Take a look at the photo gallery from the Young Cooks final held at Mid Kent College – June 2025.
Young Cooks Masterclass
We had an incredible day at Brakes UK head office for our Young Cooks Masterclass!
We invited a select group of primary and secondary school students who came close to making the finals in March and June, giving them a unique opportunity to learn new skills and refine their techniques. Take a look at the photo’s from the day.
Young Cooks 2025 Final - West Kent
The West Kent live final saw finalists gather at Mid Kent College’s state-of-the-art kitchens, where the sounds of bubbling pans and clinking utensils set the stage for a thrilling cook-off.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as rich aromas filled the air and talented young chefs went head-to-head in pursuit of the coveted Young Cooks West Kent Winner 2025 title. It was a day to remember — packed with passion, flavour, and unforgettable moments for everyone involved!
Young Cooks 2025 Final - East Kent
Take a look at the East Kent live final, a spectacle and culinary showdown. All finalists came to Broadstairs College’s professional catering kitchens which echoed with the sizzle and clatter of an exciting cook-off.
The energy in the room was contagious, with the aroma of delicious flavours wafting through the air where all the young cooks battled to take the crown of Young Cooks East Kent Winner 2025! The day was an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike!
What did our previous contestants have to say?
"The young cooks live final was a great experience, cooking in a professional kitchen, and has made me even more enthusiastic about cooking!"
"We loved the whole masterclass, and Aiden hasn't stopped talking about it, and could not wait to show off what he made."
"It was really cool! I really liked being there and cooking in a proper kitchen. It was lots of fun!"
Showcase lunch at the award winning Dog at Wingham
Our Young Cooks winners, their grown-ups, sponsors, judges and special guests were all invited to The Dog at Wingham where they were treated to a 3-course lunch cooked by The Dog’s team of professional chefs and Jade, a finalist of our 16+ category. The chefs and Jade took her dishes and created a menu to serve to the 30 guests. However, they were not merely dishes; they were works of art, showcasing the fusion of skill, creativity, and passion that defines the Dog’s culinary team. Their unique touches elevated the dining experience, leaving every palate enchanted.
Young Cooks Masterclass 2024
We had an incredible day at Brakes UK head office for our Young Cooks Masterclass!
We invited a select group of primary and secondary school students who came close to making the final in March, giving them a unique opportunity to learn new skills and refine their techniques. Take a look at the photo’s from the day.
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