Charlton House regains 'Ready Steady Cook' crown

Charlton House has won back its Ready Steady Cook Team challenge crown at an event held last week at Imperial College, London.

The contract caterer beat 14 industry rivals to take the title, marking its fourth win in the past six years.

Each team of two was given a mystery box of ingredients to produce a main course and dessert in 30 minutes with in a format mirroring the BBC TV show of the same name.

Judges included Martin Bates, chief executive if the Craft Guild of Chefs, and Steven Saunders, creative director of the Aspire Group, who was one of the original chefs to take part in the Ready Steady Cook! TV programme when it launched in 1994.

Winner Michael Paul (head chef), who partnered with Clair Streeter (pastry chef), said: “It was great to bring the title back to Charlton House. It was a good day’s cooking and although we were both nervous, we were very proud to have been chosen to represent Charlton House at this prestigious event.”

Last year’s winner Vacherin, whose team consisted of Mario Golm and John Lynch, came second with third place taken by Chris Oddie and Ian Ferrier from ISS Eaton.

The Charlton House duo received the competition trophy, certificates and Champagne for their efforts. They also won vouchers for a dinner for two at the Landau restaurant at the Langham hotel, which includes a tour around the kitchens by head chef Andrew Turner.

The winning menu comprised of seared Alabcore tuna, basil & tomato crushed potatoes and marinated golden beetroot & lime. Dessert was carpaccio of pineapple, blackberries poached in red wine and vanilla custard with a chocolate & orange mousse.

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By Chris Druce

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