A Feast of Flavours: House Masterchef 2025

This year’s House Masterchef competition brought spirited rivalry to St Paul’s as pupils from all eight Houses showcased impressive savoury and sweet creations. The final round set a seasonal challenge. Competitors were asked to craft an Autumn themed dish using only ingredients currently in season in the UK, from beetroot and butternut squash to parsnips, pumpkin and kohlrabi.

The judges enjoyed an array of inventive plates before announcing the final standings, which saw the following Houses make the podium:

1st place: Nilsson – Ra’if Jenner (Sixth Form)
2nd place: Blurton – Josh Ferro (Upper Eighth)
3rd place: Warner – Louis Littlemore (Fifth Form)

Ra’if Jenner secured the win with a venison dish praised as restaurant quality, featuring perfect cuisson, a smooth artichoke purée and pickled blackberries that brought the flavours alive.

Judge Miss Rahim summed up the event with enthusiasm. “The standard was extraordinarily high, and all of the dishes were delicious. I would have paid money for the venison in a restaurant and happily polished off the sausages and the artichokes. I also regret not taking a piece of either cake back to my desk.”

Congratulations to all competitors, and especially to Nilsson and Ra’if Jenner for a standout performance.