In total 31 teams made up of 186 people across the Lexington business entered the competition. The Akwaaba team will also enjoy a British cheese makers tour as well as having the opportunity to create their own charcuterie range using flavours inspired by their winning menu.
Akwaaba, which means ‘you are warmly welcome’ in Ghanaian, was created by Chef Andrew Thwaites to showcase the spirit of Ghanaian hospitality. Food included a fragrant Waakye from North Ghana to a rich vegetarian staple of Akan cuisine known as Kontomire.
Thwaites said: “I am absolutely over-joyed that our team won and that we will be introducing more people to experience Ghanian home-style cuisine in all its glory.”
Eight teams were chosen to attend the final at OKN1, a collaborative kitchen and dining space at New City College in Hackney. Around 240 clients and guests sampled the food concepts developed by the finalists and voted for their favourite brand which accounted for 30% of the final score. Each entry had to include the following:
- Food cost of £3 per head
- Marketing plan including promotional material, banners, menus and uniforms
- Mobilisation plan
- Description of equipment from food stands to display materials
- Recipes for all menu items
- Supporting photos, materials and ideas
Matt Wood, managing director of Lexington, added: “This competition provides a true showcase of the passion and creativity that our business excels in. We have seen a more diverse range of concepts this year and it is truly exciting to see our people pull together and create such innovative concepts and it was wonderful to see how impressed the judges were by the finalists.”