This year’s finalists are; Darren Poulton, Santander, Corporate Services; Tom Beauchamp, South Queensferry, Prestige Scotland; Neil Yule, pharmaceutical client, Corporate Services International Large Accounts; Andy Clarkson, Aliwal Barracks, Defence; Lea Eastman-Thompson, Licenced Victuallers School, Education; Jonathan Preece, Leeds Nuffield, Healthcare; Dennis McCarroll, Almac, Corporate Services Ireland and Danilo Barbagallo, Bateaux London, Prestige.
David Mulcahy, craft and development director at Sodexo, said: “We’re tremendously excited to see these chefs’ hard work and determination culminate in January’s final.
“Each of these chefs demonstrates the talent and dedication we have in Sodexo and we hope they will pull on their own imagination and flair to plate up three astounding dishes. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”
With a strong emphasis on seasonal, sustainable produce, competitors will have to produce an exciting three-course menu to include a sea bass starter, British or Irish Lamb as a main course and an innovative dessert using Bramley apples.
Expert judges will scrutinise the dishes before announcing the winners, who will take part in a unique study trip also focusing on British artisan producers. This will include a hands-on training activity at River Cottage, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s award-winning cookery school.
The grand final of Sodexo Chef of the Year 2015, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions, Churchill and Leathams will be held in the Live Theatre at 14:30-16:00pm on January 20th 2015.