823_UCB_240x170_UG Prospectus 2021_AW_WEB

COLLEGE OF FOOD AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

OUR STUDENTS

She serves unique, inventive, creative food with a style of her own. She is destined for greatness.

Claire Hutchings MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons)

Just after graduating in 2011, Claire made the finals of BBC2’s MasterChef: The Professionals – the youngest finalist ever on the show – before winning the televised Christmas special rematch in 2018. In the words of MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, Claire was “destined for greatness” and has she ever proved him right. After being on the show, Michel Roux Jr introduced her to Spanish chef Fernando Perez Arellano, who took her on at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Zaranda, in Madrid. Helping the restaurant win its second Michelin star, Claire now works as a private chef on a 40-metre private super yacht in Mallorca and hosts private events in her spare time – and her journey all started at University College Birmingham. “I chose the University as it was renowned for its culinary teaching,” said Claire. “I was taught the cookery essentials which are the most important foundation to any career, how to be organised, and our tutors always pushed us to the best of our ability. I really loved them as they always seemed more like friends, guiding you all the way to the top. “Also, the facilities are amazing and there’s so much leeway to be creative and innovative.” Completing a college course at University College Birmingham with a placement at Michelin-starred Simpsons at the age of just 16, Claire’s passion for fine dining was ignited. At degree level, she then completed a year placement at Tom Aikens’ Michelin-starred restaurant in London. “I actually entered MasterChef just before my last exams at University College Birmingham, so I was on the show while studying. “And what an amazing experience! Tough, yes, but if you can hold your nerve and show them what you can produce, I recommend it to anyone that wants to put themselves out there. “If you are serious about what you want to do, University College Birmingham is the place for you.”

Gregg Wallace MasterChef judge

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