17 - 19 March 2025
Excel London

Salon Display

The Salon Display is a visually stunning showcase of competitions, featuring a diverse range of static categories such as Kitchen/Larder, Restaurant Plates, and Pastry. This is a platform for participants to demonstrate their culinary expertise across various static mediums, with competitions divided into three levels: SENIORS, JUNIORS, and STUDENTS. 

Please note that these competitions are exclusively for finished culinary creations. Competitors must bring fully prepared dishes to the event for presentation. Need to add a finishing touch? No worries! A designated touch-up area will be available to perfect your creations before display. 

We are also proud to present the prestigious Table of Honour, reserved for past masters who have won three or more GOLD medals in static competitions. 

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS FRIDAY 14 FEB 2025 

The date of display plus delivery and collection varies for each class and as detailed below: 

Period of Display Deliver Exhibits From Collect Exhibits
All 3 Days Sun 16 March from 15.00 or  
Mon 17 March 07.00 - 09.00 
Wed 19 March - 15.30 
Monday 17th March Mon 17 March 07.00 - 09.00  Mon 17 March - 16.30 
Tuesday 18th March  Tues 18 March 07.00 - 09.00  Tues 18 March - 16.30 
Wednesday 19th March  Wed 19 March 07.00 - 09.00  Wed 19 March - 15.30 

 

If you have any questions about your entry, please contact Andrew Pantelli:
E: andrew.pantelli@montgomerygroup.com
T: 020 7886 3074

2025 Competitions

TBH1 - Table of Honour - By Invitation Only

All 3 Days 
Past winning Competitors who have gained 3 Gold Awards or more in a static class are invited to exhibit a piece of their work as past masters of their craft and to highlight excellence in Culinary Skills and to encourage further participation into the Salon. A Certificate and Commemorative Award will be bestowed to all entries exhibited to the Table of Honour.

Senior Display Classes

Kitchen/Larder Section

Display on all 3 Days

A decorative work in fat with a max area of 80cm x 80 cm. No external supports. The use of some colouring is permitted though this should be subtle and be added to enhance the overall decorative piece.

Display on Monday 17th March

A cold show platter using meat, poultry game or fish for a maximum of 6 portions on the platter. A further portion to be served plated to show portion size and balance. The platter should consist of 3 main items with one garnish for each main item. The end pieces to be placed on the platter close to the representing slices. The platter should be served with a salad and at least two sauces or chutneys on the side. Salad is not a main garnish and should be served separately in a suitable serving dish or vessel to enhance the overall presentation. No bowls, small plates or vessels are permitted on the platter. A suitable glaze should be used to enhance the presentation.

Display on Tuesday 18th March  

To present one raised pie to competitor’s choice using either (meat, game, fish, vegetarian, or vegan). Pie to be hand crafted and cooked in a traditional style raised pie mould or silicon mould. Pie to be de moulded and presented for judging on a platter or service plate with two slices presented next to the pie suitably garnished and served with an appropriate chutney / relish to complement the pie. 

(Judges will be looking for an evenly cooked and tasty decorative and creative pie. With an accompanying suitable garnish, and a chutney or relish that compliments the chosen pie. A suitable setting jelly may be used to enhance the pie for service).   

Restaurant Plates

Display on Monday 17th March  

To present three different individual plated starters prepared to competitors’ choice. One starter to contain a hot or warm element and the other two to be cold. All plates to be served cold and a suitable setting gel can be used to enhance the presentation.

M&J

Display on Wednesday 19th March

To present three different individual fish plates as part of an intermediate fish course (not main course) within a set menu competitors’ choice. Prepared hot served cold. A suitable gel to be used to enhance the presentation.

mla

Display on Tuesday 18th March

To present three different individual main course plates to competitors choice. Competitors should consider balance, composition and appropriates cuts and cooking methods when presenting each dish. Plates to be hot served cold and a suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation.

oatly

Display on Tuesday 18th March

To present a three-course menu based on vegetarian or plant based (vegan) option. Competitors should take into consideration balance, composition and protein when constructing the appropriate menu. A suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present three individual plated desserts to competitors’ choice. One plate to be served hot or warm (prepared hot served cold). Marks will be awarded to the overall balance and composition of the desserts. These should be pleasing to the eye practical in execution as a dessert for fine dining. This class will not be tasted.

Pastry Section

Display on Monday 17th March

A display of assorted tea pastries, 16 pieces in total. Display to contain 4 different varieties 4 pieces of each variety. Please pay attention to contrast in variety, methods of preparation and texture Care should be taken over size, repetition of flavours and decorative mediums should be avoided. Tea pastries will be tasted, and the use of tea stands are permitted. Please provide 1 of each pastry on a separate plate for tasting.

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

A display of mixed petit fours 6 x 6 varieties, 36 pieces in total. Variety is key and the use of mixed ingredients including chocolate is welcomed however should not be the predominant ingredient. Each petit four should be 15g – 20g in weight or 1 to 1 1/2 bites. An additional piece of each variety should be presented and plated for tasting to the judges. 

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

A display of 12 assorted Danish pastries (4 varieties 3 of each) approx. 80g – 100g each.  

1 x fruit-based Danish, 1 x multi flavoured croissant to incorporate bicolour dough, 1 x chocolate Danish. Judges will be looking at lamination, fermentation, correct baking, glazing and good use of flavours and uniform size. Please provide an extra one of each variety separately for tasting by the judges.

Junior Display Classes

COMPETITORS MUST BE 23 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER ON 19th MARCH 2025 (MINIMUM AGE 16)

Kitchen/Larder

Display on all 3 Days

A decorative work in fat with a max area of 80cm x 80 cm. No external supports. The use of some colouring is permitted though this should be subtle and be added to enhance the overall decorative piece.

Display on Tuesday 18th March

To display one whole terrine to competitor’s choice. Competitors to create and present a whole terrine (layered, presse, pate. hot/cold set mousse etc). Terrine to be displayed on a suitable presentation dish of competitor’s choice with three slices cut from the terrine for presentation. The whole terrine displayed must be enough for a further 4 portions (uncut) a further portion to be presented plated, and accompanied with a salad garnish and dressing, chutney or relish with a baked crisp toasted element.

WCC

Display on Wednesday 19th March  

To present one raised pie to competitor’s choice using either (meat, game, fish, vegetarian, or vegan). Pie to be hand crafted and cooked in a traditional style raised pie mould or silicon mould. Pie to be de moulded and presented for judging on a platter or service plate with two slices presented next to the pie suitably garnished and served with an appropriate chutney / relish to complement the pie. 

(Judges will be looking for an evenly cooked and tasty decorative and creative pie. With an accompanying suitable garnish, and a chutney or relish that compliments the chosen pie. A suitable setting jelly may be used to enhance the pie for service).

Restaurant Plates

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present three different individual plated starters prepared to competitors’ choice. One starter to contain a hot or warm element and the other two to be cold. All plates to be served cold and a suitable setting gel can be used to enhance the presentation. 

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present three different individual fish plates as part of an intermediate fish course (not main course) within a set menu to competitors’ choice. Prepared hot served cold. A suitable gel to be used to enhance the presentation.

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Wednesday 18th March 

To present three different individual main course plates to competitors’ choice. Competitors should consider balance, composition and appropriates cuts and cooking methods when presenting each dish. Plates to be hot served cold and a suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation. 

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

To present a three-course menu based on vegetarian or plant based (vegan) option. Competitors should take into consideration balance, composition and protein when constructing the appropriate menu. A suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation.

CLICK HERE for additional info

WCC

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present three individual plated desserts to competitors’ choice as part of a 3-course meal. One plate to be served hot or warm (prepared hot served cold). Marks will be awarded to the overall balance and composition of the desserts. These should be pleasing to the eye practical in execution as a dessert for fine dining and care should be taken on size. This class will not be tasted. 

Pastry Section

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

A display of assorted tea pastries, 16 pieces in total. Display to contain 4 varieties of the following, a choux-based éclair, a traditional feathered Mille feuille, a tart, and one tea pastry of your choice. 4 pieces of each variety. Please also provide an additional portion of each selection on one plate for the judges to taste. Contrast variety and methods of preparation is important, and care should be taken over size, repetition of flavours. Tea pastries will be tasted, and the use of tea stands are permitted. 

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Monday 17th March  

A display of mixed petit fours, 16 pieces in total. Display to contain 4 varieties of the following, a tart, a meringue based, a sponge based, and one variety of competitors choice. A balance of different flavours and ingredients is key chocolate is welcomed however should not be the predominant ingredient. Each petit four should be 15g – 20g in weight or 1 to 1 ½ bites. An additional piece of each variety should be presented and plated for tasting to the judges.

WCC

Display on Monday 17th March  

To present a display of 3 sponge items to include: 1 x 18cm traditional Battenburg (uncut and decorated on top to competitors’ choice). 6 identical decorated square fondant fancies 3.5cm – 4.5cm in size using boiled genoise sponge, apricot jam, marzipan and finished with liquid fondant. 6 identical individual mini lemon drizzle cakes. This class will be tasted.

Student Classes (Separate Medals)

COMPETITORS MUST BE UNDERGOING A RECOGNISED CATERING QUALIFICATION

Kitchen/Larder

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present a bread display of 9 rolls, 3 different shapes and varieties of dough 3 of each and each weighing approx. 80g one variety to contain a British cheese of competitors choice. Plus, one sour dough loaf of your choice (approx. 700g containing no yeast or improvers) and one whole demi baguette (approx. 20cm – 30cm long, 120g – 130g in weight) Exhibit will be tasted, and competitors are required to provide a menu card depicting the breads and recipes on display. 

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Monday 17th March  

To display one whole terrine to competitor’s choice. Competitors to create and present a whole terrine (layered, presse, pate. hot/cold set mousse etc). Terrine to be displayed on a suitable presentation dish of competitors choice with three slices cut from the terrine for presentation. The whole terrine displayed must be enough for a further 4 portions (uncut) a further portion to be presented plated, accompanied with a salad garnish and dressing, chutney or relish with a baked crisp toasted element. 

Display on Monday 17th March   

To present 4 individual hand raised pies to competitor’s choice using either (meat, game, fish, vegetarian, or vegan, all pies to be identical). Pies to be hand crafted and not cooked in pie moulds or raised tins etc. Pies to be presented for judging on a platter or service plate suitably garnished and served with an appropriate chutney / relish to complement the pies.  

(Judges will be looking for evenly cooked and tasty decorative and creative pies. With an accompanying suitable garnish, and a chutney or relish that compliments the chosen pies. A suitable setting jelly may be used to enhance the pies for service).

Restaurant Plates

Worshipful Company of Cooks

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

To present three different individual plated starters prepared to competitors’ choice. One starter to contain a hot or warm element and the other two to be cold. All plates to be served cold and a suitable setting gel can be used to enhance the presentation.

M&J

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present three different individual fish plates as part of an intermediate fish course (not main course) within a set menu to competitors’ choice. Prepared hot served cold. A suitable gel to be used to enhance the presentation.

Display on Monday 17th March  

To present three different individual main course plates to competitors’ choice. Competitors should consider balance, composition and appropriates cuts and cooking methods when presenting each dish. Plates to be hot served cold and a suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation.

oatly

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

To present a three-course menu based on vegetarian or plant based (vegan) option. Competitors should take into consideration balance, composition and protein when constructing the appropriate menu. A suitable gel should be used to enhance the presentation.

Display on Monday 17th March

To present three individual plated desserts to competitors’ choice as part of a 3-course meal. One plate to be served hot or warm (prepared hot served cold). Marks will be awarded to the overall balance and composition of the desserts. These should be pleasing to the eye practical in execution as a dessert and care should be taken on size. This class will not be tasted.

Pastry Section

Worshipful company of cooks

Display on Tuesday 18th March 

A display of assorted tea pastries, 16 pieces in total. Display to contain 4 varieties of the following, a choux-based éclair, a feathered traditional Mille feuille, a tart, and one tea pastry of your choice. 4 pieces of each variety. Please also provide one additional portion of each on a plate for the judges to taste. Contrast variety and methods of preparation is important, and care should be taken over size, repetition of flavours. Tea pastries will be tasted, and the use of tea stands are permitted. 

Worshipful company of cooks

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

A display of mixed petit fours, 16 pieces in total. Display to contain 4 varieties of the following, a tart, a meringue based, a sponge based, and one variety of competitors choice. A balance of different flavours and ingredients is key chocolate is welcomed however should not be the predominant ingredient. Each petit four should be 15g – 20g in weight or 1 to 1 ½ bites. An additional piece of each variety should be presented and plated for tasting to the judges.

Display on Wednesday 19th March 

To present a display of 3 sponge items to include: One 18cm traditional Battenburg (uncut and decorated on top to competitors’ choice). 6 identical decorated square fondant fancies 3.5cm – 4.5cm in size using boiled genoise sponge, apricot jam, marzipan and finished with liquid fondant. and 6 individual mini lemon drizzle cakes. This class will be tasted.

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