Simon Rogan wins the Craft Guild of Chefs highest accolade as he recieves the 'Special Award' at Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2023

Simon Rogan and Adam Handling, and Upstairs by Tom Shepherd win prestigious accolades at Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards 2023.

Leading hospitality names were among those recognised at a glittering ceremony for the esteemed Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2023.

Held on Thursday 1st June at the Park Plaza, Westminster, London the event was attended by 700 of hospitality’s leading lights and celebrates culinary excellence across the UK and beyond.

Commenting on recieving the the Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for 2023, Simon said: "Its pretty amazing seeing the people who have won the award in the past. These are people going through the early stages of my career, they inspired me and to be on the list with them is quite mindblowing to be honest, so hopefully I can inspire the next generation of chefs coming through to emulate me."

He added: "For young chefs in the business, there's not been a better time to be a chef in the UK. Conditions have changed beyond all recognition, the pay is great, the hours are great, we've got some of the most fantastic restaurants in the world, and some of the best produce in the world. Be patient, choose where you work very carefully, absorb as much information as you can, and be humble. Humility is a massive quality, no ego, just keep your head down and learn."

 

 

 

 

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Chef Simon Rogan was awarded the highest accolade of the night, that of the special award and David Mulcahy, Vice President Craft Guild of Chefs said: “Simon’s sustainable gastronomy ethos and focus on flavour has been an inspiration to many for more than 20 years. In 2022 his restaurant L’Enclume received a much deserved third Michelin Star and were delighted to recognise his life work by awarding him this year’s Special Award.”

Other notable awards went to Adam Handling, Chef Owner of Adam Handling Restaurant Group, who was awarded the Restaurant Chef Award, and New Restaurant of the Year Award went to Upstairs by Tom Shepherd.

Commenting on his award Tom Shepherd said: "It's incredible, the journey just keeps on going. It's 20 months of some of the things you dream of and even to be associated with the Craft Guild of Chefs is quite special and to win the award is just incredible."

He added: "The industry has massively changed for the better. It's a lot more accessible, and it's a lot more of a pleasing, happier industry to work in. I'd like to include Upstatirs by Tom Shepherd as a beautifully family-led supportive foundation where we really encourage young people to come in and flourish. My one bit of advice to anybody to anybody is to put the effort in. You get out of this industry what you put in, you have to work hard to win things." 

 

 

 

 

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Commenting on the evening, three Michelin-starred Chef Patron Clare Smyth: “It’s great to here tonight and see lots of familiar faces celebrating the industry with some well deserving recipients. The Craft Guild of Chefs is an amazing organisation, it’s fundamental to the hospitality industry. All the work they do with the younger generations, inspiring the chefs coming through. It keeps us all together.”

Café Spice Namasté's Chef Owner Cyrus Todiwala said: “Coming to a Craft Guild of Chefs event is fantastic, its all about the industry coming together from entry level to Michelin star.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards is seen as the chefs’ Oscars recognising the exceptional talent across the whole of the hospitality industry – from apprentice and young chefs just starting out to chefs who are established in their careers in hospitality, pubs and restaurants.

The full list of winners

Accredited College Restaurant of the Year Award - Westminster Kingsway College

Apprentice Chef Award - Eimear McCarthy, Student, South Eastern Regional College

Armed Services Chef Award - Grahame Wickham, Unit Catering Manager, British Army

Banqueting and Events Chef Award - Ian Page, Executive Chef, Payne & Gunter

Chef Lecturer Award - Len Unwin, Curriculum Team Leader, Sheffield College

Chef's Favourite Branded Chain Restaurant - Prezzo

Competition Chef Award - Adam Thomason, Culinary Director, Absolute Taste

Contract Catering Chef Award - Wayne Corbett, Executive Chef, National Grid

Culinary Hero Award - Darren Passmore, Compass Group & Co Owner Rustic Rhubarb

Development Chef Award - Terry O'Riordan, Owner and Development Chef, Keto

Chefs New Restaurant of the Year Award - Upstairs by Tom Shepherd

Pastry Chef Award - Mark Perkins, Executive Pastry Chef, Rosewood London

Pub Restaurant Chef Award - Phil Mason, Chef Patron, The Rat Inn

Public Sector Catering Chef Award - Scott Freeman, Culinary Director, ESS Defence

Restaurant Chef Award - Adam Handling, Chef Owner, Adam Handling Restaurant Group

Sustainability Excellence Award - Adnams PLC

Young Chef Award Sponsor - Nathan Johnson, Senior Chef de Partie, Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Special Award winner - Simon Rogan