The Staff Canteen

We take a look at the top stories on our site this week. See in brief what you've missed and if you want to know more simply click the link!

So what is to blame for the apparent chef shortage?

We take a look at Rene Redzepi's honest account of kitchen culture and how he believes it's this bullying environment which is leading to a lack of skilled chefs. We talk to Sat Bains and Sticky Walnut's Gary Usher to find out how they cope when it comes to staff and how they think the situation can be resolved.

Dan Birk, head chef, Social Eating House, London

This month's Heroes of the Hotplate is Dan Birk. He works alongside chef patron Paul Hood at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Poland Street. With a keen interest in cooking as a youngster, Dan has worked with a number of top chefs including Germain Schwab at Winteringham Fields when it held two stars and five rosettes. He talks to us about being a part of Jason’s restaurant empire, working with Paul and how he had never planned to work in London.

Great British Menu 2015 - Wales heat

Meet this year's Great British Menu contestants from Wales. The chefs will create British foods and must plate up perfection, as they fight it out for the chance to cook at a glorious banquet marking 100 years of the Women’s Institute at London's historic Drapers Hall. The challenge is to produce 21st-century dishes that honour the custodians of first-class home cooking, and pay tribute to the generations of women who have helped make Britain the great culinary nation it is today.

Entrants for the next UK Pastry Open revealed

Eight entrants have been announced for the 2015 UK Pastry Open, which will be taking place at the Restaurant Show in October. The competition, which will be judged by some of the UK’s top pastry chefs, will award four prizes on the day. After further consideration, and at a later date, the official UK Team squad selection for the Coupe Du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2017, will be announced, based on the results of the UK Pastry Open.

In these challenging times…

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