Chocolate Master Returns to Tresham College

Tresham Student wins Chocolate Master competition

An ex student from Tresham College has become the ‘Willy Wonka’ of the UK, having won the title National Chocolate Master at the World Chocolate Masters competition.  

Barry Johnson studied catering at Tresham College back in the 90s and has gone on to to become one of the world’s leading chocolate and patisserie experts.  

Competing against the best chefs in the country, Barry won the title of National Chocolate Master and will now go on to represent the UK and Ireland at the global final in Paris next year.  

Barry visited his old college in November to give young students a master class in chocolate:

“Studying at Tresham was the foundation for my career.  The level of teaching and expertise here is exceptional and their industry contacts helped me win my first job at The Connaught Hotel in London,” said Barry.

Barry went on to work with Raymond Blanc at Le Manior aux Quat’ Saisons and honed his patisserie skills at Harrods and The Wolseley in Picadilly.

Tresham Hospitality Lecturer Andrew Robinson studied at the college with Barry and kept in touch throughout his career.  Inviting him back to hold a master class provided students with an invaluable experience and insight into the world of top-level patisserie.

Tresham College is part of The Bedford College group, the No 1 FE College in the region and the 12th largest in the UK.