The 2017 Chef Competitions You Should Watch Out For
Whether they are to highlight emerging culinary talent or celebrate the flawless skills of established industry names, at there are several chef competitions and culinary awards ceremonies that we at Lockhart Catering Equipment always look forward to each year – and several of which we are very proud to sponsor.
To make sure that you don’t miss these inspiring events, here are the most exciting chef competitions and culinary industry awards events that are taking place in 2017 that you should add to your diary now.
Salon Culinaire 2017 – 23rd-25th January
Taking place at the Great Hospitality Show at the NEC, Birmingham, Salon Culinaire is the UK’s largest chef competition programme - with over 80 individual competitions taking place over the three days of the event!
The competitions fall into four categories: Salon Display, Live Theatre, Skills Theatre and La Parade des Chefs, and cover virtually every aspect of the hospitality experience – competitions include ‘Cocktail Mixology’, ‘Vegan Challenge’ and ‘Teamwork in the Kitchen’, but also prestigious titles such as Sodexo Chef of the Year 2017. Take a look at the full programme of competitions taking place at Salon Culinaire to find out more.
Bocuse d’Or Finale 2017 – 24th January
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the coveted Bocuse d’Or arrives in Lyon for its highly-anticipated Finale in late January. The contest, founded by Paul Bocuse seeks the most exceptionally talented chefs in the world, 24 of whom have been selected to represent their individual countries when they compete for the Bocuse d’Or trophy.
Unfortunately Team UK did not win a place in this year’s final, but we’ll still be awaiting keenly to hear who takes the title, which was won by Tamas Szell of Hungary in 2016.
Springboard FutureChef Final 2017 – 27th March
With a focus on nurturing the next generation of outstanding chefs, the Springboard FutureChef competition, sponsored by Lockhart Catering Equipment is open to young chefs aged 12-16 and is a fantastic way for them to showcase their talents and receive support and mentorship from those already in the industry.
Following rounds of school heats, local finals and regional finals, the National FutureChef 2017 Final takes place this March at Westminster Kingsway College, and employers would be wise to watch the twelve finalists closely – Young National Chef of the Year 2017, Ruth Hansom, is a past FutureChef winner.
Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2017 – 1st June
Often referred to as the ‘Chefs’ Oscars’, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognises and rewards talented individuals and teams across the hospitality industry, including those in specialist areas whose contribution may otherwise go unnoticed.
The glittering ceremony for the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2017 will be taking place at London’s Westminster Park Plaza, and the most anticipated accolade of the evening will certainly be the Special Award, given to one deserving individual who has gone to exceptional lengths to contribute to the culinary industry.
The Cateys 2017 – 4th July
The Caterer magazine’s esteemed Catey awards are a major event in the industry calendar, as they celebrate not only outstanding individuals but also businesses and places.
Sponsored by Bunzl Catering and Hospitality Division, award categories at The Cateys include the Accessibility Award, Hotel of the Year, the Chef Award and Menu of the Year. Some of the biggest names from the across the UK catering industry will be gathering at Grosvenor House on 4th July for The Cateys 2017, and with high hopes of taking home a coveted trophy of their own.
National Chef of the Year 2018 and Young National Chef of the Year 2018 Final – 2nd October
With past winners of the Craft Guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year including Gordon Ramsay, Mark Sargeant and Russell Bateman, it’s easy to understand why this competition, along with its Young National Chef of the Year sister competition have become two of the most closely followed in the industry.
Proudly sponsored by Lockhart Catering Equipment, the finals of Young and National Chef of the Year competitions take place live at The Restaurant Show following tough semi-finals in June. The Young and National Chef of the Year 2017 are Ruth Hansom and James Devine – who will be claiming these longed-for titles for 2018?
The Michelin Guide 2018 – 3rd October
The Michelin Guide needs no introduction. The ultimate culinary industry award, even those outside of the industry keenly await the announcements of which UK and Ireland chefs and restaurants have been bestowed with a Michelin star at a live event in London. Earning a Michelin star or a ‘Bib Gourmand’ will make your restaurant a must-visit destination for food lovers, so receiving one – and especially a second – is a real cause for celebration.
Will you be attending any of this year’s major culinary industry competitions or award ceremonies, and are there any other events that we should add to our list? Let us know by leaving us a comment below or get in touch at @BunzlLockhart.