A school cook from Cheshire has beaten hundreds of competitors to win the Sodexo Chef of the Year title in a contest held at Hotelympia.
Andrew Willcox, a chef at Cheadle Hulme School in Cheshire, was one of 10 finalists representing Sodexo’s healthcare, education, defence and corporate services divisions.
The competition saw the chefs given 90 minutes to prepare and present a three-course menu in front of a live audience, which included former England International Rugby player and Sodexo ambassador Matt Dawson.
Willcox’s winning menu was a roast fillet of hake with langoustine and salmon ravioli as the main, and a pear and almond frangipane crumble tartlet with vanilla anglaise, for dessert. He secured the gold ‘best in class’ medal, awarded by an independent panel of judges.
He said: "I was genuinely shocked to hear my name called out as the winner. I am extremely proud of this achievement. It would not have been possible without the support I received from my commis chef Rob Lawton, my mentor Ian Barnett and all at Sodexo who have helped along the way”.
He will now travel to Europe on a study trip where he will be given the opportunity to develop his culinary skills through a series of training workshops.
A silver medal was also awarded to Raymond Cavanagh, head chef, Glasgow Sherriff Court, and bronze medals went to Carl Barnett from Foundation of St. Catherine and James Davis from Eton College.
Watch footage from Sodexo Chef of the Year here
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By Janie Stamford
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