Philip Howard picks up Special Award at Craft Guild of Chefs Awards

Philip Howard, head chef and co-owner of the two Michelin-starred restaurant The Square was presented with the Special Award at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards tonight held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London.

Chosen by a committee of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Howard was praised for enormous contribution to the industry. A hugely respected figure on the restaurant scene, Howard has been cooking at The Square restaurant for more than 20 years.

It was a double win for Northcote in Lancashire as head chef Lisa Allen picked up with award for Restaurant Chef Award, while Tom Parker scooped the Young Chef Award. 

Compass Group also received double recognition with Robert Brown and Alan Baker-Green each taking home an award.

Among the 15 awards there was also a new award for this year, the People’s Choice Award – and award devised to recognise one of the industry’s unsung heroes, who has demonstrated real commitment to their job and deserves recognition. After more than 1,000 votes on the Craft Guild of Chefs website, the winner was revealed as John Retallick, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs Vice Presidents’ Council. 

“It’s a fantastic occasion to bring together top culinary talent,” said Craft Guild vice-president Steve Munkley. “The celebrations continued long into the night with everybody entering into the spirit of the evening.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs Award winners 2011

Special Award
Philip Howard, The Sqaure

People’s Choice Award
John Retallick

Apprentice Chef Award
Rebecca Marshman Hilton Park Lane Hotel

Banqueting Chef Award
David Summerell, Royal College of Physicians

Competition Chef Award
Mathew Shropshall, University College Birmingham

Contract Catering Chef Award
Robert Brown, Compass Group

Cost Sector Chef Award
Alan Baker-Green, Compass Group

Development Chef Award
Peter Joyner, Elior

Education Chef Award
Ian Jaundoo, Liverpool Community College

Ethnic Chef Award
Karunesh Khanna, Amaya

New Restaurant Award
Justin Sharp, Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds

Pastry Chef Award
Tal Hausen, The Lanesborough Hotel

Pub Restaurant Chef Award
Tim Bilton, The Butchers Arms, Holmfirth

Restaurant Chef Award
Lisa Allen, Northcote Manor

Young Chef Award
Tom Parker, Northcote Manor

Pierre Koffmann scoops Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award >>

By Katherine Alano