Blumenthal recognised at Craft Guild of Chefs Awards
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has won the top accolade at this year's Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.
The awards held last night at the Hilton hotel on London's Park Lane also saw another 13 chefs take home an award, seen as the 'industry's Oscars'.
Speaking about his award, Blumenthal said he was honoured to be recognised: "I was under the impression I was here to present an award. I've got so much from this industry and I'm a firm believer in young chefs, so even just presenting an award is a huge opportunity for me to give something back. I think it's brilliant and I'm delighted to win."
Nick Vadis, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: The awards go from strength to strength. We had a phenomenal number of entries this year, which really goes to highlight the passion and skills in all sectors of our industry.
"Judging this year was particularly hard and the decisions were well debated by our stellar judging panels. I would like to thank all our nominees and winners for their significant contribution to the industry and a big well done to all our 2009 champions."
The winners were:
Apprentice Chef, sponsored by Compass Group
Samantha Rowles from Sheraton Skyline
Banqueting Chef, sponsored by Nestle Professional
Nigel Boschetti from The Royal Lancaster Hotel
Competition Chef, sponsored by Thorns Group
Simon Hulstone from The Elephant
Contract Catering Chef, sponsored by Loyd Grossman
Dennis Mwakulua from Fujitsu Services
Cost Sector Chef, sponsored by Schwartz for Chef
Michael Godfrey from Bekynton Eton College
Development Chef, sponsored by Elior UK
Brian Eastment from Major International
Education Chef, sponsored by Aramark
Simon Stocker from Westminster Kingsway
Ethnic Chef, sponsored by Kavis
Mohammed Aslam from Aagrah Group of Restaurants
Pastry Chef, sponsored by Philadelphia
Benoit Blin from Le Manior aux Quat Saison
New Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Farm Fresh Duck
Cinnamon Kitchen
Pub Restaurant Chef, sponsored by Bisto
Dominic Chapman from The Royal Oak
Restaurant Chef, sponsored by Essential Cuisine
Izu Ani from Vanilla
Young Chef, sponsored by Blue Arrow Catering
Will Torrent from Bachmanns
Special Award, sponsored by Sodexo
Heston Blumenthal from The Fat Duck
For photos of this year's event, please click here.
Words: Clare Riley
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