Compass Chef of the Year

Recently talented chefs from across Compass Group UK & Ireland gathered at a Cookery School in Winchester for the highly-anticipated Compass Chef of the Year (CCOTY) competition. It was a remarkable showcase of culinary talent, learning, development, and networking.

In the Senior Chef of the Year category, our very own Gary Wolfe from Restaurant Associates achieved gold for his exceptional culinary skills.

George Charles-Pulfer, also from Restaurant Associates, emerged as the overall winner in the Young Chef category, securing the gold medal. Aga Bernaciak, another star from Restaurant Associates, clinched the silver.

In the Senior Chef category, Gary wowed the judges with delectable courses, including a Tartlet of artichokes, Dayboat Southcoast Turbot, and Norfolk Royal Russet Apple Pie.
George, competing in the Young Chef category, impressed the judges with dishes like leek, yeast, and cashew starter, followed by Herdwick lamb, carrot, and trompette.

Sustainability Matters: The competition emphasized sustainability, with chefs required to create plant-based courses and focus on seasonality and waste reduction.

Expert Panel of Judges: Our chefs faced a distinguished panel of judges, including Matt Owens, National Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs; Simon Stocker, Chef Consultant; Bob Brown, Head of Ingredients and Workplace Managed Menus at Foodbuy UK; and Nick Vadis, Culinary Director at Compass Group UK & Ireland.

Words from the Winners:

Gary Wolfe, the Senior Chef winner, expressed his gratitude, saying, "The Compass Chef of the Year competition has been a brilliant journey. It's a huge honor to win this award."

Congratulations to all our incredible chefs who showcased their culinary talents and passion at the Compass Chef of the Year competition.