Szilard Szentesi, now Executive Pastry Chef at 5-star Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort at Bishopton, has a strong background in the pastry sector. Originally from Hungary Szilard had spent the last 12 years honing his pastry skills and eagerly contributing UK culinary scene.
He started his culinary journey in the UK as a kitchen porter on the Old Course at St Andrews Links, where his passion for the kitchen environment quickly recognised. Szilard`s connection to food comes from his childhood memories cooking and baking with his grandmothers and mother who established a strong respect and the passion in him about the beauty of the culinary. Having trained in Scotland, Szilard held positions at some of the most prestigious places such as Gleneagles and Claridge's. He was also Head of Pastry operation at Cameron House on Loch Lomond.
Szilard has amassed numerous patisserie competition successes over the years. He was one of the 8 finalists of the Dessert of the Year four times in a row where he awarded bronze and silver medals at the end. Szilard has several other accolades: Silver medals for Afternoon Tea at HRC. Gold Medals at Gateau Challenge and Plated Dessert on the Live Theatre at ScotHot. Gold medal for Lockdown Pastry Challenge. His afternoon tea was awarded the Best in Scotland in 2023. He also won and secured a place for his chocolate creation on a Worldwide issued Calendar at the Valrhona Cercle V Calendar Challenge 2024.
As a workplace assessor Szilard have been eagerly training and mentoring the next generation of Pastry Chefs on different competitions and graduations. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, he is pleased to support the Association of Pastry Chefs as the Vice Chair of the Association.