won’t be sitting down to enjoy the night, I will be well and truly in the thick of it with some of my boys. That is testament to the fantastic team that Nigel has at Grosvenor House that we won’t have as many of my guys in the kitchen this time around.”
When Simon was crowned the AA Restaurant Guide 2017 Chef of the Year he told The Staff Canteen: "It's amazing to be awarded this from this room of talent. It's an award I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
Now he has had a year for it to sink in and said: “It’s been a massive honour to have joined the list of previous winners, there are some massive names there, a real who’s who and I feel quite humbled to be on the list with them.”
There has been no shortlist announced for this year’s Chef of the Year so it’s anyones guess as to who will be taking the title from Simon (and cooking next year’s banquet!) but we were interested to know who he would like to see join him on the elite list?
He said: “Blimey, that’s a tough question with so many amazing cooks out there that would be worthy candidates, I have to sit on the fence with the fear of not wanting to upset anyone!”
The AA Awards is one of the most anticipated social events in the hospitality calendar, and Simon believes it’s unwavering popularity is down to the AA’s ‘dedication to our craft’.
“The AA awards is one of the premier dates that everyone within our industry looks for annually,” he explained. “Its always a glittering occasion attended by the very best in our industry and rightfully so because of the AA’s absolute dedication to our craft and the support it provides to all. I feel very privileged for what the AA have bestowed on me over the years and thank them for the massive part they have played on my particular journey.”
As well as organising a meal for 1200 of the great and the good in hospitality this year, Simon is also dedicating his time to the return of Roganic and the opening of Aulis London on October 10.
He said: “Things are going great and an announcement will be made quite soon!”
