A BRADFORD district school chef could be named the best in the country later this week.

Kirsty McAndrew, of Oakworth Primary School (Midshire Signature Services), has secured her place at the 2024 School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) national final.

It came after she won the Yorkshire & Humber regional heat – for the second time in two years.

During the regional final, Kirsty made a rich beef and vegetable pudding with aromatic beetroot, carrot puree, duchesse potatoes and thyme sauce.

Her dessert was a moist sponge cake, homemade chocolate orange ice cream, butternut crisps, flapjack crumb and strawberry coulis.

Louise Wagstaffe, Premier Food’s senior culinary adviser and SCOTY head judge, said: "Kirsty impressed all the judges with skill, attention to detail and exceptional flavour combinations, making her the worthy winner in an outstanding heat for the Yorkshire and Humberside region." 

The final will take place across Wednesday and Thursday at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Competitors must prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.60 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide.

The 2024 national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize.