Nicolas Poilblanc wins SCOTY West Midlands regional final
The SCOTY competition, which is sponsored by Bisto from Premier Foods, is open to all kitchen-based staff involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK whether from a local authority or contract-catered site, managed in-house, academy school or part of a Multi-Academy Trust.
The national final will once again be held at The School Food Show on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with the overall winner announced on the evening of Wednesday 8th July.
Competitors must prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.75 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide.
For his main course he created duo of ballotine and lollipop chasseur chicken. For dessert Nicolas made Sicilian coconut and glazed pineapple cheesecake. Nicolas competed against two other school chefs including Lee Taylor and Stuart Gaunt at the regional final.
The main course must include one Bisto product from the list provided. Competitors are permitted to use more than one Premier Foods product in their main course if it suits the dish. The dessert should be based on 50% fruit content and include one item from the list of Premier Foods dessert products provided.