We are excited to announce that Taste of Aves will be progressing to the Grand Final of Jack Petchey’s Taste the Future Cooking Challenge, powered by the Mayor’s Fund for London.
The new, citywide cookery competition sees teams of 14–25-year-olds battle in the kitchen for the chance to win a professional cooking masterclass, food vouchers and more.
The judges were incredibly impressed by our team’s ‘enthusiasm, focus and clear communication throughout the semi-finals.’
Taste the Future is designed to build confidence, teamwork and practical skills, while helping young people value a home-cooked meal, make healthier choices and gain culinary knowledge they can carry through life.
The challenge has been running across three school holidays in 2025, with each round offering funding support for ingredients, equipment, travel and staff time:
Stage 1: Summer Holidays – The Heats
Each team hosted a tasting session of a dish they prepared using a provided ingredient list.
Stage 2: October Half-Term – The Semi-Finals
Teams cook their favourite dish in a professional kitchen.
Team Aves made Chicken Milanese, which was described by the judges as being “cooked beautifully” and ‘‘paired well with the pasta sauce [that] had a satisfying kick.’ Followed by ‘a great dessert choice that balanced sweetness and spice perfectly’, Cinnamon Twists with lemon drizzle.
Taste of Aves will join Ashdon Jazz Academy (Lambeth), Venture Community Association (Kensington & Chelsea), Knowledge and Practice Croydon (Croydon) and The Javan Coker Foundation (Greenwich) for The Grand Final in December at The Main Cookery School, Islington where finalists will be tasked to cook a two-course meal for expert judges using surprise ingredients.
Alongside a professional cooking masterclass and food vouchers, the Jack Petchey’s Taste the Future Cooking Challenge champions will have their winning dish featured in the Mayor of London’s 2026 Take & Make recipe kit, with 50 kits gifted to the winning organisation!
