The annual competition challenges chefs from across the business, spanning various sectors and companies, to showcase their culinary skills and compete for the title. The competition aims to inspire and nurture chef talent while promoting creativity and originality.
Following an application process, nine finalists earned their place in the final held at New College Durham. They were tasked with creating a three-course menu for four people, including a vegan starter, using mystery ingredients provided the day before the event.
The chefs were evaluated not only on the imagination and modernity of their menus but also on their demonstration of seasonality, sustainability and minimal waste. All the finalists impressed the judges with their dishes.
His menu included ‘Fishing For Gold’, an immersive starter inspired by Japanese koi ponds with a Shanghai-style crystal dumpling accompanied by a QR code activating sound effects and ‘fish food’ enhancing the theatre of the dish. Following this was a ‘No Smoke Without Fire’ venison main and an ‘Autumn Terrarium’ dessert.
Michelle Trusselle, head of culinary for craft and chef development, said: “The calibre of cooking on display was truly outstanding. Stuart showed remarkable composure under pressure and delivered dishes that were not only visually spectacular but also burst with incredible flavours. The attention to detail and technical skill demonstrated throughout the competition was a masterclass in culinary excellence.”
Winning Aramark UK Chef of the Year qualifies Fildes to compete in Aramark’s global competition, the International Chefs’ Cup to be held in Shanghai later this year.
Speaking about his victory, Fildes commented: “I’m in shock. Getting to participate in the final and flex my fine dining skills has been a true test, and I’m so pleased with how it’s gone. The level of skill amongst the finalists was super high, and to have been named Chef of the Year is both unexpected and such an honour. I can’t wait to get to Shanghai and hopefully bring it home for the UK.”