Charterhouse Pastry Team Triumphs at National Culinary Competition
10 July 2026
charterhouse news
Two members of Charterhouse's Catering Pastry Team represented the School with distinction at the Finals of the HH Great Bakes competition, with one returning as a category champion.
Hosted this year at Stowe School, the HH Great Bakes Finals bring together talented catering and hospitality professionals from leading schools to compete in a celebration of baking craftsmanship, creativity and presentation. Isobel and Maja competed against talented finalists from schools across the country, showcasing not only their technical baking skills but also the creativity, professionalism and passion that underpin the culinary arts.
Competing in the Bread Makers category, Isobel created a beautifully presented rustic display featuring three varieties of soda bread, accompanied by a selection of flavoured butters:
- Guinness soda bread with honey butter
- Feta and Charterhouse rosemary soda bread with roasted garlic butter
- Traditional soda bread with salted butter
Her presentation celebrated traditional baking craftsmanship, drawing praise for both flavour and visual appeal.
In the Dessert Makers category, Maja impressed judges with an elegant Amalfi lemon cake, served with mascarpone cream and confit lemon rind. Inspired by family traditions and her mother's life in Italy, the dessert reflected authentic Italian baking techniques and a deep personal connection to her craft. Her display, complete with Amalfi-inspired styling, transported judges straight to the Italian coast.
The day proved a tremendous success for both finalists, who represented Charterhouse with confidence, professionalism, and creativity throughout the competition.
The celebrations became even sweeter when Maja was awarded First Place in the Dessert Makers category, a wonderful recognition of her talent and dedication.
Competitions such as HH Great Bakes highlight the remarkable expertise within Charterhouse's Catering Team. While their work is often experienced daily by pupils and staff across the School, opportunities like this allow that excellence to be recognised on a wider stage.
We congratulate both Isobel and Maja on reaching the national finals and extend special congratulations to Maja on her category victory. They have made the entire Charterhouse community immensely proud.
