THE Seaview Hotel is celebrating a hat-trick of awards.

Tom Bull, their 21 year old sous chef, won The Gurt Cook Off held at the Isle of Wight College last Thursday.

Competing against three other talented Isle of Wight chefs — Leizu Evans (Zu Food), Bradley Roe (Ventnor Botanic Garden) and James Butchers — Tom won with his starter of pan-fried local sea bass, Farmer Jacks butternut squash puree, Coppins Community Food Forest sea beets, pumpkin and thyme with butternut squash puree.

His main was pan-roasted Brownrigg duck breast, Coppins Community Food Forest pickled carrots, charred Farmer Jacks sweetcorn and chilli.

The Gurt Cook Off is based on a Ready Steady Cook MasterChef format with chefs choosing from a selection of Isle of Wight produce donated freely by many Island suppliers and they have two hours to produce a starter and main course.

Each chef is assigned two Isle of Wight College catering students to assist.

"Last year I didn't win so I was determined to up my game, so, I am really chuffed to have won," said Tom.

"The quality of Island produce was amazing, it's brilliant that suppliers are so generous and keen to support this event."

Claire Speight, mother of Luca Speight, one of Tom's commis chefs, said: "Luca worked with Tom and he came home totally inspired.

"That's what it's all about, inspiring new and young chefs."

The competition was also co-founded and organised by the Seaview Hotel with an aim to inspire the next generation and champion Island food.

The judging panel included Isle of Wight County Press feature writer, Kate Cranwell, and well-known food critics, Matt and Cat.

Cat James said: "Excellent work as ever, by all the talented chefs. It's a treat and honour to judge the Gurt Cook Off, which once again showcases the best Island produce in such competent and creative hands."

Emmanuelle Ferdinand, the college's restaurant manager, said: "This event has been a success for the past three years.

"It's an opportunity for our students to work alongside professional chefs and improve their skills. The high standards get better every year and next year we look forward to hosting a gala dinner, featuring the three winning dishes."

On Friday afternoon, Seaview Hotel discovered it had retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand award for the fourth year running and to top it all, Philippa Meeres, won employee of the year at the inaugural IW Radio Best in Business Awards on Friday.

Philippa has been the breakfast waitress at the hotel for more than 20 years and is consistently the most mentioned member of staff in the yearly guest questionnaires.