Three-Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal was presented with the Special Award at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards last night.
Blumenthal, whose restaurant the Fat Duck was forced to close earlier this year due to a food-poisoning scare, was recognised for his tireless commitment and overwhelming contribution to the industry as a whole.
Other award winnersincluded Knorr National Chef of the Year winner Simon Hulstone, chef-patron of the Michelin-starred Elephant in Torquay.
Dominic Chapman, head chef of the Royal Oak in Paley Street, Berkshire, which is owned by Sir Michael Parkinson, was also recognised.
Chapman, along with his father Kit, proprietor of the Castle in Taunton, and brother Nick were recent stars of the BBC programme Keep It In The Family.
Master patissier Benoit Blin of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was given the Pastry Chef Award and Will Torrent of Bachmanns patisserie was awarded the Young Chef title.
More than 600 people attended the event at the London Hilton on Park Lane including the Craft Guild of Chefs’ royal patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex.
The awards, now in the 16th year, recognised 14 chefs from all aspects of the profession.
WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NIGHT
- Apprentice Chef - Samantha Rowles, Sheraton Skyline
- Banqueting Chef - Nigel Boschetti, the Royal Lancaster hotel
- Competition Chef - Simon Hulstone, The Elephant
- Contract Catering Chef - Dennis Mwakulua, Fujitsu Services, Compass Group
- Cost Sector Chef - Michael Godfrey, Bekynton Eton College
- Development Chef - Brian Eastment , Major International
- Education Chef - Simon Stocker, Westminster Kingsway
- Ethnic Chef - Mohammed Aslam, Aagrah Group of Restaurants
- New Restaurant of the Year – Cinnamon Kitchen
- Pastry Chef - Benoit Blin, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
- Pub Restaurant Chef - Dominic Chapman, the Royal Oak, Maidenhead
- Restaurant Chef - Izu Ani, Vanilla (he no longer works for the restaurant)
- Young Chef - Will Torrent, Bachmanns
- Special Award - Heston Blumenthal
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Video: Simon Hulstone wins Knorr National Chef of the Year competition >>
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By Amanda Afiya
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