Staffordshire Chefs’ Forum 2015 Winner Announced

We are proud to announce the Winner of the Staffordshire Chefs’ Forum 2015 Young Chef of the Year Competition as Michael Blades of Swinfen Hall Hotel.

The competition cook off was held at Stafford College on Monday 6th July and we were proud to sponsor the competition for the second year, as well as offering our Business Development Chef, Jonathan Harvey-Barnes as one of the Judges. Amongst the other judges was Chef Patron of the Caxton Grill, Adam Handling and Matt Davies, British Culinary Federation Vice-Chairman and Group Executive Chef of the Lewis Partnership Group.

The young chefs who took part in the final were aged between 16 and 21 years old and were required to produce a 3-course menu for 2 covers; a Starter using egg as the main ingredient, Main course of tenderloin of pork using Stocks or Demi-Glace, and a free choice of dessert.

The Finalists were;

Roger Lomas – Pascal at The Old Vicarage, Branston, Burton-upon-Trent
Charlotte Fenney – Call in the Caterers
Benjamin Manifold – Stafford College
Jack Newport – Aston Marina, Stone
Michael Blades – Swinfen Hall Hotel, Swinfen
Cory Gooding – Pascal at The Old Vicarage, Branston, Burton-upon-Trent
Kristian Taylor – Burton & South Derbyshire College, Burton
Andrew Stewart – Aston Marina, Stone

As a result of winning the competition, Michael Blades received the Winners Trophy, a commemorative plate and certificate. He also walks away with a cash prize of £150 and a week’s work experience at the Michelin starred restaurant Simpsons in Edgbaston.

In 2nd place was Benjamin Manifold from Stafford College. He received a cash prize, a certificate and a week’s work experience with The Lewis Partnership.

3rd place was won by Charlotte Fenney from Call in the Caterers, Gnosall. Charlotte received a cash prize and a certificate.

There was also a raffle and all the prizes were donated by various restaurants, hotels and pubs. The raffle raised a total of £430 which will be used to help to encourage young chefs to progress in their chosen career.

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