Presiding over the events were the Craft Guild of Chefs “very own Ant and Dec”, Steve Munkley and Dave Mulcahy, joint vice presidents, who led attendees through the nominations and awards which were spread throughout the evening.
Among the winners was Eric Chavot of Brasserie Chavot in Mayfair, London, awarded the Guild’s ‘Special’ award for his contribution to the industry. New to this year’s event, a prize was also awarded to the best new ‘concept restaurant’, with Russell Norman’s pint-sized Venetian-style bacaro, Polpetto coming top.
Polpetto was up against Hix Restaurant and Xavier Rousset and Agnar Sverisson’s wine and dining concept 28°-50°. Attendees were introduced to each concept by short films played between courses, and invited to vote at the end of the meal, with votes counted and submitted via an iPad on each table.
Winners of each category were announced throughout the four-course meal, devised and prepared for over 650 guests by Olivier Ruiz, head banqueting Chef at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
2014 winners
Apprentice Chef Award – Louise Roberts, Lexington Catering
Armed Services Chef Award – LChef Laura Willison, Royal Navy
Banqueting & Event Chef Award – Ben Dutson, Sodexo Prestige Events
Chef Lecturer Award – Vincent Cottam, Westminster Kingsway College
Competition Chef Award – Ben Ford, River Island, Eurest
Concept & Innovation Award – Polpetto
Contract Catering Chef Award – Peter Joyner, Elior UK
Cost Sector Chef Award – Glyn Greenow, Infantry Battle School, Sodexo
Development Chef Award – Sanjay Sighat, The Authentic Food Company
Ethnic Chef Award – Raju Ramachandran, Cinnamon Soho
New Restaurant of the Year Award, Gymkhana
Pastry Chef Award – Martin Powell, RAC Club
People’s Choice Award – Willie Pike, chef consultant
Pub Restaurant Chef Award – Andrew Pern, The Star Inn
Restaurant Chef Award – Paul Kitching, 21212
Young Chef Award – Thomas Lawson, Rafters Restaurant
Special Award – Eric Chavot
Ellie Clayton
