April 22, 2026 - 218 views
Three Coleg Llandrillo students have struck gold after winning a top regional catering competition, showcasing the next generation of hospitality talent in North Wales.
The trio, from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, were crowned winners of the prestigious ACF Northwest Commis of the Year competition after impressing judges with their teamwork, creativity and composure under pressure.
Molly Thallon and Millie Batterbee, both studying Level 3 Professional Cookery, teamed up with Level 3 Food Service Supervision student Oskar Williams to take on rival colleges from across North Wales and North West England. The competition was held at The Academy Restaurant, where the students were tasked with planning, preparing and serving a high-quality three-course meal to paying customers.
All aged 20, the team demonstrated seamless coordination between kitchen and front-of-house as they delivered a sophisticated dining experience, complete with mocktails and carefully selected wine pairings. Their efforts earned them not only the gold medal and trophy, but also a commendation for excellence.
Molly described the competition as an unforgettable experience that would help shape her future career, while Millie said the challenge pushed them to stay creative and focused under intense pressure.
Their success follows weeks of rigorous preparation at Coleg Llandrillo’s industry-standard training facilities under the guidance of tutors Mike Evans and Mike Garner. A strong emphasis on communication between the kitchen and service team proved crucial to their performance on the day.
The students also had to think on their feet when a last-minute change to the brief required Oskar to carve at the table in front of diners—something he had not practised beforehand. Despite initial nerves, he adapted quickly and rose to the challenge.
He said the moment their college was announced as the winner brought a huge sense of excitement and pride, adding that all the hard work had paid off.
Tutor Mike Garner praised the group for their dedication and professionalism, saying they had grown in confidence and handled the high-pressure environment with a positive attitude throughout.
The trio will now attend the ACF Presidents Awards and Gourmet Dinner on May 7, where they will be formally presented with their trophy.
The victory highlights the strength of hospitality training at Coleg Llandrillo and reinforces the growing reputation of North Wales as a hub for emerging culinary talent.
