Executive chef from four star Marriott Hotel wins fish and chip challenge

Executive chef Alan Matthew of Dalmahoy, a four star Marriott Hotel & Country Club, has won a national culinary challenge to find the best fish and chip recipe.

His winning recipe will be rolled across all of Marriott Hotels' UK menus.

Matthew said: "I am thrilled to have won this nation-wide challenge – especially as I was in such good company. I have always had a strong passion for food and I continually aim to impress all of our guests with flavoursome dishes cooked to the highest standard. It prides me to know that my fish and chips recipe will now be enjoyed by Marriott diners across the UK!"

Over 50 chefs from Marriott and Renaissance Hotels submitted their fish and chip recipes to a team of experts - including Marriott's UK director of Culinary, Gregg Brown, who tasted each dish.

The top six finalists were selected to participate in a cook-off that took place at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in London, preparing their dishes for a final panel. The judges included Chris Leftwich, chief inspector at Billingsgate Fish Market and food critic and writer Charles Campion along with Marriott's own gourmet experts.

The overall judging was based on the best fish, the best chips, the best mushy peas, the best presentation and the overall best dish.  The dishes also included tartar sauce and a variation of the chefs' take on condiments, some of which included a shot of Boddingtons Beer and red onion relish.

Gregg Brown, UK director of Culinary, said:  "The nationwide search has meant we've consumed over 6kg of chips and 10kg of fish, so we're we were well equipped to decide what makes a top notch fish and chip dish. We are delighted with Alan Matthew's recipe – his innovative culinary skills are testament to Marriott's ethic of fresh, simple food – and I am sure that all guests across the UK will enjoy his fish and chip dish. 

"We thoroughly enjoyed judging the competition and were impressed by all of the finalist chef's dishes. This activity further demonstrates our continued commitment to investment in our associates."

Words: Maria Bracken

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