Hampshire student named "MasterChef" at Sun Inn chef's competition

Stephen Naylor, who recently finished a level 3 diploma in professional cookery, won the title at a cook-off held at Basingstoke College of Technology, organised by Gordon Stott, head chef and landlord of the Sun Inn, Basingstoke.

Stott said: “The standard was extremely high and all the students involved should be proud of what they have achieved.

“Overall the competition was a huge success and we’re already planning what challenges we’ll be throwing at next year’s students.”

Naylor and fellow finalist Kennedy Abbot, 19, were both given a budget of £50 to create a two-course meal served in the college’s restaurant, with guests given a guide price of £20 and asked to pay what they thought the meal was worth.

Ultimately, Stott named Naylor as the winner for his starter of mackerel, beetroot and apple followed by lamb, consommé, pomme purée, roasted veg and shallot jus.

Kennedy produced a starter of English asparagus with quail eggs and parmesan followed by pork, black pudding and apple.

Stott added: “[Stephen’s] mackerel dish in particular was a triumph and I’d happily include this on my menu at the Sun Inn.”

Diners collectively raised a total of £510 which was donated to Hampshire charity for the homeless, the Society of St James.

Sunny disposition

Stott, currently aged 23, joined the Sun Inn in 2010 before becoming head chef and landlord less than two years later, making him one of the youngest pub landlords in the country.

He recently competed as a finalist in the Pub Chef of the Year category at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2015.