'Clare is a fantastic chef who is respected worldwide'

The Bocuse d’Or UK Academy has appointed three Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth as its Global Chef Ambassador.

The internationally acclaimed chef was this week awarded a third Michelin star for her Notting Hill restaurant, Core by Clare Smyth. Last year, Clare was invited to be Honorary President at the Bocuse d’Or European selection in Tallinn, Estonia in October 2020.

The experience gave Clare valuable insight into the contest and a desire to support Team UK’s ambitions to reach the podium. Unfortunately due to the ongoing COVID crisis and its impact on hospitality, Bocuse d’Or Team UK took the difficult decision not to compete for the first time in more than 30 years.

Clare said: “The hospitality industry needs all the support it can get right now and there is no better global platform to showcase our culinary talent than the Bocuse d’Or. With the UK no longer in the EU, now is the time not only to celebrate our chefs but our fantastic suppliers too. I am delighted to accept the position of Global Chef Ambassador and I look forward to working with the committee to help Team UK reap the success that other countries have enjoyed.”

Florent Suplisson, director of Gastronomic events at GL Events Exhibitions Operations the organiser of the contest, stated: “Clare is a fantastic chef who is respected worldwide. It was a privilege to have her attend our European selection as Honorary President and I’m sure that Clare will play a key role in helping Team UK on its journey to future success.”

Andreas Antona, chair of the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy added: “We are absolutely delighted that Clare has won her third Michelin star and it asserts her position among the best chefs in the world. We feel privileged to have Clare on board as we work towards securing the sponsorship, fundraising and culinary expertise we need to compete at the highest level.”

The Bocuse d’Or World final is due to take place at Sirha in Lyon from 1-2 June 2021. The top ten teams from the European selection will compete along with the top scoring countries from the 2018 Bocuse d’Or continental selections. Wild card entries are yet to be announced.