Winners of Craft Guild Awards 2008 announced

Over 600 people attended the dinner to watch their colleagues collect their awards. The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards are the chef's 'Oscars', and the coveted accolades recognise and reward the leading talent working in kitchens all across the industry. This year saw a record number of nominations for the awards. There are 13 different award categories for which nominations are sought, covering all aspects of the chef profession, from education to pubs and from the cost sector to banqueting. Here are the 2008 winners: Special Award, sponsored by Sodexo Stephen Scuffell Apprentice Chef, sponsored by Blue Arrow Catering Derek Wright from Sodexo Prestige Banqueting Chef, sponsored by Reynolds Stephen Ashburn from Rudding Park Competition Chef, sponsored by Electrolux Professional Vincent Cottam from Westminster Kingsway Contract Catering Chef, sponsored by Peros Andrew Aston from Restaurant Associates Cost Sector Chef, supported by California Raisins Lynette Tinney from Derbyshire County Catering Development Chef, sponsored by Focus "Check On" Tony Murphy from Eurest Education Chef, sponsored by Aramark Michael Coaker from Thames Valley University Ethnic Chef, sponsored by Cobra Beer Angelo Collaco from Café Spice Namaste Pastry Chef, sponsored by Compass Group Nick Patterson from Claridge's Hotel New Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Exclusive Ranges Purnells, Birmingham Pub Restaurant Chef, sponsored by Creed Catering Supplies Matt Van Wyck from Rose and Crown Restaurant Chef, sponsored by Alliance Craig Sandle from The Balmoral Hotel Young Chef, sponsored by Booker Graham Squire from Claridge's Hotel