The Culinary Academy is open to all chefs with varying levels of experience. Participants can build and develop their competitive CVs whilst being part of a culinary team on both a national and international scale. 

Competitors will gain guidance from experienced chefs whilst competing and demonstrating at catering exhibitions. Successful team members will also get the chance to compete at the Culinary Olympics and 2022 Luxembourg World Cup. 

At the celebratory dinner guests enjoyed a five-course meal, each created by Craft Guild Chefs and Kingsway College students. 

Dishes included a starter of chargrilled winter vegetable terrine, pickled radish and dill emulsion, a herb crusted Loin of lamb, smoked onion puree, truffle potato, baked carrot rich Lamb jus for the main, followed by a dessert of olive oil and lemon baked Alaska.

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “What a great start to the relaunch of the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Academy. After a few years out of the spotlight it was great to be able to relaunch at Westminster Kingsway College where many of our mentors and new Culinary Academy members started their catering careers.

“We will be entering many classes at the HRC show in March and plans are already underway to enter the British Student Culinary Championships in May with a view to driving towards the Culinary World Cup [in 2022]” 

A special mention went to Academy sponsors EauVation, Darégal, Dalebrook and Angel for their support. The dinner sponsors were Alliance, Wenlock Spring, Zuidam UK, Major International, Reynolds, Avlaki, Speciality Breads and Yes Chef. 

A raffle and auction was held, which raised nearly £3,000 and the top auction prize included a table for two at Roux Parliament Square in London. 

Matt Owens, Craft Guild of Chefs vice chair, added: “It’s extremely exciting to bring back this valuable and prestigious element of the Craft Guild of Chefs. 

“The Culinary Academy is an amazing opportunity to be part of a culinary team on a national and international scale, competing against some of the world’s finest talent.”

The Culinary Academy offers a structure through which chefs can build and develop their competitive CVs, including a system of awards recognising levels of skill and competitive excellence. 

Novice members can progress through these levels following competitive attainment, while experienced competitors are recognised and rewarded for their achievements.

For those interested in getting involved in the Culinary Academy, visit www.craftguildofchefs.org and click on the Academy tab to register and join.