Competing in UK final propels Harry’s culinary journey

Harry has a bright future ahead of himself and we look forward to being part of his culinary journey.” Tutors Daniel Williams and Dawn Williams.

Harry Howells, a catering and hospitality student at Coleg Sir Gâr, has recently returned from competing at a UK final which has fuelled his culinary journey even further.

While he didn’t secure the top prize at Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year, the experience has made him even more eager and determined to learn more on his culinary journey as he embarks on his level two professional cookery and hospitality course this September. 

Harry was chosen to represent Wales after winning the Welsh national heat of the Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition, where his wild mushroom risotto took first place.

Adapting his recipe to include Japanese shimeji mushrooms and using the mushroom caps as garnish, Harry competed with around 12 other contestants representing the UK and Ireland, who he said were friendly and very experienced in their fields. 

Harry Howells said: “The judges said I did exceptionally well considering I am only 17 and studying my first year of a level one course.

“Many of the other competitors had been in college longer than me and had experience working in Michelin starred restaurants, but the experience was amazing.

“I’ve never experienced being in a VIP area before, let alone at a professional and pristine kitchen at Tottenham Hotspur stadium where we were competing, it was amazing.

“I was really nervous but a soon as I started cooking, I could shut everything else out.

“The judges often came to talk to us and they said that my risotto’s texture and consistency was perfect.”

Harry also said that seeing the other competitor dishes was reassuring on one level and inspiring on another.

Attending college four days a week and working 30 hours at Ashburnham Hotel, Harry isn’t a stranger to hard work and with the help of his tutors, he continuously practiced his risotto dish at college and at home as he did when he won the Welsh national heat.

Already with a Welsh gold medal already under his belt during his very first year at college, and the experience of a UK final where he competed for a chance to win a culinary stage with Fabio Pisani and Alessandro Negrini at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan, Harry is definitely on the road to success.

As a result of tutors supporting Harry at the London competition, they have made industry links and future professional working partnerships have been formed which will provide additional learning opportunities for students. 

Coleg Sir Gâr tutors for professional cookery Daniel Williams and for hospitality, Dawn Williams, jointly stated: “We would like to congratulate Harry on his success, we are extremely proud of his efforts and commitment to his vocation.  

“Harry has a bright future ahead of himself and we look forward to being part of his culinary journey.” 

Harry is pictured with chef and Good Food magazine representative Barney Desmazery and (top), his tutor Dan Williams.