East Riding College Bridlington campus student wins illustrious culinary competition in Venice

The Combi Guru Challenge, hosted by Unox, is a world-renowned competition with more than 220 registered colleges taking part.

Having ranked the highest in Combi Guru’s 21-day app challenge, Ruby found herself among the top 40 competitors from further education colleges across the United Kingdom and was invited on an all-expenses trip to Venice.

The competition took place at Unox headquarters.

There, she was given three hours to prepare a main course and dessert in the Oven Challenge.

Ruby impressed the judges with her signature rack of lamb, placing second out of 10 competing chefs on the day.

She was awarded a professional knife engraved with the competition logo, provided by Maglionero.

Rob Edwards, Public Sector Marketing Development Specialist at Unox, who helped organise the competition, said: “It was a pleasure for Unox UK to host East Riding College student Ruby; she was very level-headed, calm, and executed two very good dishes.

"She should be really proud!

“It was fantastic to see the college entering and showcasing East Riding College as a forward-thinking education provider that gives its students the opportunity for growth and development.”

Anthony Gascoigne, Hospitality & Catering Course Team Leader, said: “We are so proud of Ruby’s performance at the UNOX Combi Guru Challenge competition in Venice.

"To achieve second place is a testament to the effort and hard work she puts into her studies.

"This was an excellent opportunity to compete at a high level and will go a long way to providing essential employability skills and developing resilience.”

Ruby shared her enthusiasm.

“I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to fly to Venice and compete in the Unox competition," she said.

"I’d like to say a massive thank you to the college and my lecturers who helped make all of this happen.”

Ruby also had the opportunity to explore Venice, including taking part in an exclusive speed boat trip, a tour of St Mark’s Square and a Michelin star lunch on Burano Island.