Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall crowns Sam Lomas River Cottage Rising Star 2013

Talented Sam Lomas, aged 18 from Macclesfield, was joined by four fellow finalists in a culinary battle at River Cottage HQ Park Farm.

The finalists had previously fought off tough competition to make it through to the final. Having already been subjected to a public vote and interviewed by a highly regarded judging panel , the live final played host to some of the best young aspiring chef talent. The winner would secure a dream apprenticeship placement at River Cottage HQ, and articulate their journey, inspiring others through a range of media.

Jack Botha, Florence Cornish, Sam Lomas, Freyja Davis and Ian Chin remained remarkably calm and composed throughout the final. In front of a 400 strong audience and a film crew, they each created and produced one stunning dish that reflected their cooking styles and passion for food.

With a limited amount of time to cook, each contestant whipped up a gastronomic delight to a standard that made it hard to believe they had not even begun their career as chefs.
Sam Lomas has now gained a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity securing 12 months employment with Hugh and the team at River Cottage HQ. Inspiring Hugh and the judging team with his winning dish of Mackerel with beetroot, apple and horseradish salad, marinated julienne of courgette and goats cheese soda bread, Sam comments;

"'I'm incredibly excited to have won the River Cottage Rising Star Competition 2013. Food and indeed how food is made has been a passion of mine for almost as long as I can remember. To have been named Rising Star whilst up against such supportive, talented and passionate finalists as Freyja, Florence, Ian and Jack, is an absolute privilege.

"The whole process of the River Cottage Rising Star competition has broadened my food horizons, stretched my imagination and pushed me out of my comfort zone like no challenge I have undertaken before, and it's a pleasure to have been involved with the friendly, knowledgable and supportive River Cottage team."

The presentation of the Rising Star Award coincided with the relaunch of the River Cottage cookery school following a devastating fire just 18 months ago. On the evening, Hugh got quite emotional when thanking all the people who had supported them in their efforts to relaunch, many of whom were attending the relaunch. He said they had been overwhelmed by the local support of trying to get them back on their feet again. Not satisfied with just returning the school to its former glory, the River Cottage HQ team have also created the River Cottage Chef School, where the Rising Star final took place. A fitting inspiration for aspiring young chefs, River Cottage Chefs' School launched in spring 2013 with the primary objective of delivering qualifications and accredited training that embody the River Cottage food values. There are a range of programmes and courses available for learners of all levels of ambition and competence, so an ideal opportunity for keen young chefs like Sam. 

The River Cottage Young Chef Apprenticeship Scheme is one of a range of programmes designed to inspire, educate and qualify Chefs or Chefs of the future. For more information on how you to could join the team at River Cottage visit http://www.rivercottage.net/chefs-school/