Chef Of The Year 2018

Keanan Pattison, Junior Sous Chef in Rockliffe Hall's Clubhouse kitchen, has won the coveted title of North East Young Chef of the Year 2018.

The 21-year-old was one of seven talented finalists to compete for the accolade on October 11th at the Lancastrian Suite, Gateshead.

Organised by NECTA (North East Culinary and Trade Association), the competition  involved a 30 minute knife skill class followed by a 60 minute challenge where they young chefs had to prepare, cook and present a two course menu for two people. They had to use scallop in the starter and guinea fowl in the main course and the entire menu had to complement seasonal local produce.

Keanan, who started working in the Clubhouse kitchen at Rockliffe Hall five years ago, was named the winner and is now automatically seeded through to the semi-final of the Craft Guild of Chefs National Young Chef of the Year competition, which will take place in mid-2019.

Keanan, from Darlington, says: “I’m so excited to have won this award. I was up against some great chefs and feel privileged to have come first. I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing in the national competition next year.”