Among them was Eric Chavot, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Brasserie Chavot in the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair, who was acclaimed as the winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Special Award, for his commitment and outstanding contribution to the British food scene.
A further 16 awards were presented on the night including the Craft Guild’s new Concept & Innovation Chef Award that recognises the trendsetters in the industry who are bringing food, fashion and style to the fore.
Hix Restaurant, 28º-50º and Polpetto were feted on the night for this award and videos of their concepts were screened before everyone present at the dinner voted electronically for their choice via an iPad on their table – the first time ever the Craft Guild has chosen this way to select an award winner through this imaginative and interactive voting system. Once the votes were counted, Polpetto emerged the first winner of this prestigious award.
The popular People’s Choice Award again came down to four great candidates and chef consultant Willie Pike received the most online votes. Pike was hailed as an inspiration for many chefs and praised for founding the Scottish chef conference, aimed at improving standards in the industry.
The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards also recognised a host of leading lights across the industry, whether they work in a pub, fine dining restaurant, city university, military unit or in contract catering, and even as development chefs for national retailers.
The 2014 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards winners are:
Apprentice Chef Award – Louise Roberts, Lexington Catering
Armed Services Chef Award – LChef Laura Willison, Royal Navy
Banqueting & Event Chef Award – Ben Dutson, Sodexo Prestige Events
Chef Lecturer Award – Vincent Cottam, Westminster Kingsway College
Competition Chef Award – Ben Ford, River Island, Eurest
Concept & Innovation Award – Polpetto
Contract Catering Chef Award – Peter Joyner, Elior UK
Cost Sector Chef Award – Glyn Greenow, Infantry Battle School, Sodexo
Development Chef Award – Sanjay Sighat, The Authentic Food Company
Ethnic Chef Award – Raju Ramachandran, Cinnamon Soho
New Restaurant of the Year Award, Gymkhana
Pastry Chef Award – Martin Powell, RAC Club
People’s Choice Award – Willie Pike, chef consultant
Pub Restaurant Chef Award – Andrew Pern, The Star Inn
Restaurant Chef Award – Paul Kitching, 21212
Young Chef Award – Thomas Lawson, Rafters Restaurant
Special Award – Eric Chavot