Four WLC Students Make it to Seafood Chef Finals

Four students from West London College have been selected to compete at the highly esteemed National Seafood Chef of the Year 2025 regional heats. Sabah Shukur, Kai D’elia, Vanessa Pereira and Pyper Lee, all studying Professional Cookery Level 3 at Hammersmith & Fulham College, will represent the college in two teams at the competition, which is open to all full-time and college-based modern apprentice chefs.

The National Seafood Chef of the Year competition, now in its 28th year and run in association with The Grimsby Institute, has long been a prestigious event in the UK culinary calendar. The 2025 regional heats will take place in May at various locations across the UK, including City College Norwich, with the top two teams from each heat progressing to the grand final.

Sabah and Kai expressed their excitement about the opportunity. Sabah said: “I’m really excited, we’ll be waking up nice and early to head up to Norwich, so we can be fully ready for the competition.” Kai added: “I’m quite a competitive person, so getting through to the next stage is perfect for me. I think some of the techniques, such as grilling the Red Bream, will be amazing to showcase, and I’m also looking forward to the langoustine dish too.”

Vanessa added she is excited to see what she can learn from her peers, saying: “Competing with other colleges will be great, as we’ll also see what they’ve been doing and hopefully inspire each other to improve!” Pyper also sees the competition as a way to progress: “I’m looking forward to how the competition continues to push my personal development as well as reflecting on all the skills I’ve learned at WLC.”

This year’s contest will be judged by Ben Bartlett (Masterchef of Great Britain), Nikki J Hawkins (Independent Consultant to the Seafood Industry), and Steven Bennett (The Lincolnshire Chef).

Denise Charles, Head of Hospitality and Catering at West London College, said: “The competition is a fantastic opportunity for Sabah, Kai, Vanessa, and Pyper to gain invaluable experience and exposure in the culinary industry. The judges will be looking for chefs who can combine technique, taste, and presentation to create standout dishes and secure a spot in the Grand Final – I have every confidence in our teams!”