The 2011 Craft Guild of Chefs' culinary Oscars reveal the industry's crème de la crème

Fourteen chefs were honoured on the night, including the worthy recipient of the Craft Guild's Special Award, Philip Howard, one of the most respected chefs in the industry. Described as a "chef's chef", renowned for his distinctive modern French food, his illustrious culinary career spans more than 30 years during which time he has won a string of awards and accolades, as well as mentored and encouraged some of London's finest young chefs. This year Howard celebrates 20 years as head chef and co-owner of the Michelin starred restaurant The Square, and in the last six years both The Ledbury and Kitchen W8 that he also co-owns have two and one Michelin stars respectively. Craft Guild vice president David Mulcahy said that he captures the very essence of being the chef's chef. "While shunning the limelight, our winner also remains in the limelight by gaining accolades, nurturing talent, developing potential, encouraging and inspiring young people to enter the industry. He does this while all the time building his businesses and maintaining the highest standards." This year, he said, the Craft Guild had recognised someone who in many people's view is a great example of someone who has overcome professional and personal challenges and become an example for chefs who want to reach the very top. This year for the first time the Craft Guild announced a People's Choice Award for which seven candidates were nominated and supporters were allowed one online vote for their favourite. Its inaugural winner was John Retallick, another esteemed chef whose enormous commitment to the hospitality industry for more than 50 years saw him win the most votes from his peers. In the New Restaurant category, Pea Porridge run by Justin and Jurga Sharp in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk beat off London's finest to take the award. The independently owned establishment is an award winning restaurant well appreciated by both locals and visitors that excels in its diverse selection of local produce, which was highly praised by the judges. Now in its 18th year, the Craft Guild Awards brings together leaders in foodservice and hospitality to recognise the industry's finest chefs, caterers and restaurants, who the Craft Guild believes represent the future of its craft. The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2011