The Caterer Blog

As the dust settles on another Cateys awards evening, it's time to reflect on what was a tremendously successful and enjoyable event.

More than 1,000 hospitality decision makers packed in to the Grosvenor House hotel in London's Park Lane for the 25th anniversary of what we like to call the hospitality industry Oscars.

The parade of former winners at the beginning - including Gary Rhodes, Raymond Blanc, Ramon Pajares, Richard Shepherd and Robyn Jones - set the celebratory tone for the evening and there were laughs-a-plenty from presenter Rory Bremner.

As for my personal highlights? The food was absolutely spectacular, with the foie gras starter and the turbot main particularly impressive. A Michelin-starred chef on my table commented that the food - which went out to more than 1,000 people don't forget - was better than the meal he and three companions paid £800 for at an upmarket French eatery that afternoon. Kudos to the Grosvenor kitchen team.

I was very sensible and made by way back to south London at 2am, but my more thirsty colleagues assure me that the Red Bar was rocking until a lot later. As for any misbehaviour, I'm none the wiser. Honest.

We've put together a video of all the highlights.

We've also got a full list of winners.  

And, would you believe, there's more. Vineyard at Stockcross executive chef John Campbell achieved the extraordinary feat of winning two Cateys in one night - only the second time this has happened in Cateys history.

Check out our exclusive video Masterclasses with Campbell.

The Dorchester praised the Grosvenor at Tuesday night's 25th Catey Awards with executive chef Henry Brosi branding the meal an outright success. "The best I've ever had here," were his words.

Galvin at Windows head chef Andre Garrett was equally as complimentary as he polished off the Chilled pea and chervil velout shot. "Marcus Wareing's consulting on this meal, isn't he?" he asked. "I have a lot of respect and it isn't easy to cater for this number of people," he said.

Judging by the collection of empty plates whipped away at the end of each course, the rest of table 88 were in agreement. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Chef Direct's managing director Steve Downey during the ceremony who was flanked by the super-popular 2001 Chef Award winner Michael Caines. It seemed that every time the Gidleigh Park executive chef lifted his fork to his mouth another well wisher was at his side.

On the opposite side of the table John Hudgell, proprietor of Cambridge restaurant Alimentum, one of this year's Adopted Business series, enjoyed the night's events with wife Carlota. "It's an inspiration to be here," he said. "We're having a great time and next time I hope that I'll be up on stage collecting an award," he said.

Lively conversation was halted briefly by the arrival of the sexy String Diva girls while Rory Bremner's set had everyone in stitches. But the fun didn't end there. Guests were invited to sip drinks at the bars or take a turn on the dance floor to the quality cover tracks performed by band Groovin High - that is if they could get past our very own snake hips group sales director Shaun Barton. To view footage from the night click here