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FAQ's

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Please see our frequently asked questions below. They are split into ASC & KHC. If your question still isn't answered please don't hesitate to contact us.
  • How do I enter?
    Simple, click here and fill in the application form by the deadline.
  • What are the requirements for entering the competition?
    You will need to submit an application that includes an ingredients list and method. For the 11-13 age category you will be required to submit a dessert recipe. For the 14-16 age category you will be required to submit a vegetarian main course recipe. For the 16-18 age category you will be required to submit a game meat main course recipe. You can submit using the form here. You can check out our full terms and conditions here.
  • When and where is the final?
    The final will be held at Bournemouth & Poole College, Landsdowne Campus, Meyrick Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3JJ – on Friday 26th January 2024.
  • What will I win?
    The 11-13 and 14-16 age category winners receive: A cash prize of £200 £100 worth of cookware Certificate and award The 16-18 age category winner receives: A place on Bournemouth & Poole’s prestigious three year Specialised Chefs Scholarship with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts A cash prize of £500 Up to £250 worth of cooking equipment Certificate and award More information can be found here
  • Do I have to take the Specialised Chefs Scholarship at Bournemouth & Poole College if I win the competition?
    The Specialised Chefs Scholarship is the top prize for the 16-18 category of Aspiring Student Chefs, therefore we advise that you enter the competition, only if you have the desire to take on the scholarship. This is an incredible opportunity to get your foot in the door in the culinary world, with tutoring from the absolute best! Please bear in mind, to be eligible for the Specialised Chefs course, contestants can't have completed a level 2 or level 3 apprenticeship. If you have any queries on this, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
  • Is there parking?
    Yes, there is complimentary onsite car parking.
  • Do I need to bring my own ingredients and equipment?
    You will be required to bring your own ingredients on the day of the finals. There will be a general stock of your basic items to include things like butter, milk, eggs, olive oil, flour etc. The competition will also provide a contribution towards the cost of ingredients - details will be confirmed in due course. There will be a facility to store ingredients at the college from the evening before if required with prior approval. The college kitchens are fully equipped, keeping in mind this is professional grade equipment, so may differ from what you use at home. Students may bring some of their own equipment if preferred, but do so at their own risk. Equipment queries will be dealt with in advance to the event, and students are required to send a full list of equipment needed in advance, including what they are bringing themselves, so we can prepare for this in advance and save time on the day.
  • Do I need to bring lunch?
    We provide a light lunch on the day that parents, teachers and students are welcome to enjoy.
  • Do I get any expenses for my travel and accommodation costs?
    Aspiring Student Chefs will be able to expense up to £25 for their travel/accommodation for the ICG competition. You will need to send receipts to us post-event along with bank details, so we can process your request. The expense is applicable for students only, and is strictly £25 per student.
  • Can I bring a guest?
    Yes, you will need a teacher or guardian with you on the day. We allow a maximum of 1 guest per person.
  • Are parents/ teachers allowed in the kitchen?
    Parents and teachers will need to remain in the waiting area whilst you are cooking.
  • What will I need to wear?
    Just wear something comfy. You will be provided with any relevant clothing and aprons on the day. You will be asked for sizing as part of the entry process.
  • What type of ovens/hobs are available to me for the final?
    You can expect commercial grade equipment as you would expect to find in a hotel and restaurant. The ovens have electric solid tops.
  • Will there be a waiting area for guests?
    Yes, we will have a waiting area for guests. We will direct you to the relevant space on the day.
  • When will finalists be announced?
    The exact date for judging is yet to be confirmed, but the finalists are usually announced in November/ December time.
  • Who are the competition judges?
    Head to the ‘Judges’ section of our website to find out all you need to know.
  • Can I re-enter if I have entered previously?
    Yes, you can re-enter.
  • What does the Specialised Chefs Scholarship involve?
    Find more about it on our website here.
  • How many dishes will I need to make on the day?
    You will need to make two of your dish – 1 for judging, and 1 for photography purposes.
  • How do I enter?
    Simple, click here and fill in the application form by the deadline.
  • What are the requirements for entering the competition?
    You will need to submit an application that includes an ingredients list and method, for a main dish and a dessert. You can submit using the form here. You can check out our full terms and conditions here.
  • When and where is the final?
    The final will be held at The Studio, 63 Glen Road, Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire, NG33 4RJ – on Thursday 7th March 2024.
  • What are the timings on the day?
    You will be contacted with your individual cooking time nearer to the final, but the event runs from 8.30am, with the final winners announcement and presentation at 4.30pm. You will have 1 hour and 30 mins to cook your dishes. We ask that you do not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes before your time slot, as we have a tight schedule to adhere to on the day.
  • What will I win?
    The winner’s prize is a luxury hamper brimming full of cooking and foodie goodies, along with Teflon non-stick coated cookware with £500, as well as a luxurious break for two at The Olive Branch, Clipsham, with dinner, bed and breakfast for two guests. More information can be found here
  • Can I enter if I work in the catering industry?
    You are not permitted to enter if your main income is made up from commercial baking in a professional environment (restaurant, hotel, canteen, baker, ships, etc). You can see our terms and conditions here.
  • Is there parking?
    Yes, we have complimentary onsite car parking which will be signposted on the day.
  • Do I need to bring my own ingredients and equipment?
    You will need to supply your own ingredients on the day. Please bring these with you. In terms of equipment, please double check with us if there are any specific items you require on the day. We do have equipment onsite, but please do check with us so we can make sure we have what you need. Any specialised equipment, you will need to bring yourself.
  • Do I need to bring lunch?
    We provide a light lunch on the day that you are welcome to enjoy should you be onsite during lunch time.
  • Do I get any expenses for my travel and accommodation costs?
    There are no expense allowances with the Keen Home Cooks competition.
  • What will I need to wear?
    Just wear something comfy. You will be provided with an apron on the day.
  • What type of ovens/hobs are available to me for the final?
    Each kitchen has a Neff oven (the Studio kitchen has two), and an induction hob.
  • Will there be a waiting area for guests?
    Guests are encouraged to explore the local area whilst waiting. There are some lovely local areas including Stamford and Rutland Water. Guests are also welcome to stay at the venue in the mezzanine during cooking.
  • When will finalists be announced?
    The exact date for judging is yet to be confirmed, but the finalists are usually announced in November/ December time.
  • Who are the competition judges?
    Head to the ‘Judges’ section of our website to find out all you need to know.
  • Can I re-enter if I have entered previously?
    Yes, you can re-enter.
  • How many dishes will I need to make on the day?
    You will need to make two of each of your dishes – 1 for judging, and 1 for photography purposes.
  • What do I do in-between cooking and the final presentation?
    As the kitchens get quite congested as the day gets busier, we do encourage that once you have cooked, you head out and explore the surrounding areas, and return for the presentations at 4.30pm. There are some lovely local areas including Stamford and Rutland Water.
  • Are there any nearby hotels?
    We recommend the following: The Woodhouse Arms 2 Bourne Road Corby Glen Grantham NG33 4NS Cholmeley Arms Village Street Burton-le-Coggles Burton Coggles Grantham NG33 4JP
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