Female youth came to the fore when the team from The Harrow at Little Bedwyn triumphed in the Champagne Jacquart Rising Stars Trophy 2010. Sommelier and general manager Heather McKnight, 24, joined forces with apprentice chef Jaillin Argent, 17, to see off strong contenders from Scotland, North West England and the South East.

The pair won through to the final as the highest-scoring runners-up, then took the trophy with a menu of:
-Smoked Somerset eel with Domaine Rieflés Pinot Gris 2008 (Alsace)
-New season milk-fed Ceredigion lamb with Bilancia Pinot Noir 2006 (Hawke’s Bay)
-Raspberry soufflé with Champagne Jacquart NV Mosaïque Rosé

They were presented with the trophy by Gerard Basset MS MW and Smiths of Smithfield owner and Masterchef judge John Torode at the recent London International Wine Fair.

‘This year’s winners showed knowledge, confidence and a relaxed manner,’ said Torode. ‘They produced three delicious courses but, most importantly, despite their age and rising star status, they showed a mature, reciprocal respect for each other’s role in a restaurant environment, which is the key to succeeding in this vital competition, which ultimately rewards the efforts of teamwork.’

Now McKnight has the opportunity to build on her success, moving to work with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in June.

Meanwhile, Argent is still to finish her studies at Swindon College, after which she plans ‘to travel, learn as much as possible and become the youngest female chef by far to have a Michelin star’.

News item from Imbibe.com, 27-05-2010