Jamie Coleman, Head Chef of the two AA Rosette, Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon has been named South West Chef of the Year 2016 at a special awards dinner held at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Monday, October 24.

Jamie beat out competition from four other finalists in the category to claim the prestigious title.

Jamie said: “This means a lot, it’s my second time competing at South West Chef of the Year and it feels amazing to have won. The competition has provided me with excellent experience and feedback, I came to the heats this year feeling much more prepared. I knew the larder and the process; I knew what I needed to do. My plan now is to keep working hard and learning as well as entering competitions.”

The finals of the two professional classes and the student chef class took place during the day at Exeter College before the finalists joined the Home Cook and Junior categories, whose finals had taken place earlier in the month, at the awards ceremony held at Exeter Golf and Country Club later that evening.

The winners were presented with their awards following a dinner prepared for by Hywel Jones, a Michelin-starred Executive Chef at Lucknam Park, Jamie Rogers, winner of South West Chef of the Year 2015 and Head Chef at Belgrave Sands Hotel, and Scott Paton winner of South West Young Professional Chef of the Year 2009 and Head Chef at Boringdon Hall Hotel. Hywel, Jamie and Scott were supported in the kitchen and front of house by students of the Michael Caines Academy.

The evening was hosted by competition co-founder Michael Caines MBE and his team of judges including Stephane Delourme of The Seafood Restaurant, Consultant Chef Peter Gorton, Matt Mason of Jack in the Green, Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park and Seth Ward of Bidvest Foodservice. The competition was also judged by Paul Ainsworth of Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, Neil Haydock of Watergate Bay Hotel, and Michael Wignall of Gidleigh Park.

Michael Caines said: “I have been delighted by the standard shown by the competitors. It’s not just about technical skill and the ability to put together mouth-watering flavours; we are also looking for innovation and flair together with the desire to really get behind locally sourced ingredients and give them the culinary treatment they deserve. I am passionate about our regional produce and have been really struck by the dedication our competitors have shown too.”   

As well as winning the prestigious title, competitors also received invaluable feedback from the judges. This year also saw the return of previous competitors seeking to repeat their experience and progress up through the categories.

>>> Read more from South West Chef of the Year Competition here

Winners of this year’s competition:

Best Use of Regional Produce: Sue Stoneman of Exmouth, Devon

Best Menu: Timothy Kendall, Chef de Partie at The Seafood Restaurant, Cornwall

Best Presentation: Jamie Coleman Head Chef at Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon

Best Dish: Shaun Cassidy Sous Chef at Jack in the Green, Devon

SW Junior Chef of the Year: Ethan Macdonald The Kings School, Ottery St Mary, Devon

South West Home Cook of the Year: Sue Stoneman of Exmouth, Devon

South West Student/Apprentice Chef of the Year: Harrison Brockington of Exeter College and Apprentice Chef at Dart Marina Hotel, Devon

South West Young Professional Chef of the Year: Timothy Kendall Chef de Partie at The Seafood Restaurant, Cornwall

South West Professional Chef of the Year: Jamie Coleman Head Chef at Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon

South West Chef of the Year: Jamie Coleman Head Chef at Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon