We are excited to announce the results of our Gluten-free Chef of the Year competition, following an intense cook off by six finalists on 19 November.
The results
After 90 minutes of high pressured cooking from the finalists and after much deliberation by the judges the winners were announced.
Gluten-free Chef of the Year – for professional chefs
Winner of Gluten-Free Chef of Year is Thomas Fallows, who is the Assistant Chef at Hindelini’s Gourmet Café in Ribblesdale Park and has just started studying Professional Cookery Level 2 VRQ at Accrington and Rossendale College in September.
Runner up was Carol Salisbury, Chef Manager at 1 Call Direct from Renfrew, Renfrewshire, and the third finalist was Christopher Bridge, Head Chef at Ravenstone Manor and Charlotte’s View restaurant from Keswick, Cumbria.
Up and Coming Gluten-free Chef of the Year – for catering college students under 23
Winner of Up and Coming Gluten-free Chef of the Year is, Jonathan Farmer from Norwich, Norfolk who is studying VRQ Level 2 Professional Cookery at City College Norwich
Runner up was Kathryn Holmes from East Hunsbury, Northampton who is studying Professional Chefs Diploma Level 2 VRQ at Northampton College.
The competition comprised two categories: Gluten-free Chef of the Year, for professional chefs, and Up and Coming Gluten-free Chef of the Year for catering students aged 23 and under. Entrants’ skills were showcased in their ability to cook gluten-free substitutes such as bread, pasta or batter from scratch in the live final.
The judges
The panel of judges included Michelin starred chef Adam Gray from London restaurant Skylon; chef Daniel Ayton of 51 Buckingham Gate and Saint James Court Hotel and Malcolm Emery, Executive Chef for Sodexo Prestige.
Prizes
Thomas Fallows wins a week long stage working under two Michelin starred chef Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. Jonathan Farmer wins a week long stage at Michelin-starred The Pass at South Lodge working under chef Matt Gillan. Both winners also win a set of knives courtesy of 3663 and all six finalists were presented with a year’s membership to the Craft Guild of Chefs and gift vouchers from Sodexo.
Thank you
To all of the supporters of the competition including Craft Guild of Chefs, Institute of Hospitality, 3663, Sodexo, Unilever and of course our judges and finalists.
In the news
Since the results have been announced the media has busy in spreading the word about our winners: