MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 finalist Nick Bennett appointed head chef at Restaurant 56

The Staff Canteen

Editor 13th December 2016
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Chef Nick Bennett, who made it to the final three of MasterChef: The Professionals 2015, has been promoted to head chef of Restaurant 56, which has 3 rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide, under the tutelage of Great British Menu contestant, Andrew Scott.

The promotion comes after a surge in the restaurant’s growth and marks Nick’s first head chef position. Andrew and Nick are said to be continuing to drive the restaurant forward with Nick taking over the day-to-day duties of the kitchen.

Andrew Scott and Nick Bennett

Nick said: "I am extremely proud and excited to be promoted to head chef of Restaurant 56. Having worked with Andrew for many years, I have learned so much and I am looking forward to taking on the new challenge in my first role as head chef. Andrew and I will continue to cook together and develop new ideas for the menus. I am excited to run the kitchen and to be involved in all proceedings at the restaurant. "

Originally from Leamington Spa, Nick trained at Stratford upon Avon College, before joining Mallory Court. A successful four year stint working under Simon Haigh and Andrew Scott was followed by Nick joining Andrew at The Curlew Restaurant in Bodiam, East Sussex where he helped to retain its star in the Michelin Guide UK 2014.

>>> Read more about Nick Bennett here

Nick and Andrew's working relationship continued when they both joined Restaurant 56 in early 2014. The restaurant was awarded 3 AA red rosettes in the Restaurant Guide in October 2015 and has also been awarded the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 'Gastronomic Restaurant of the Year' in both 2015 and 2016.

Andrew said: "This is natural progression for Nick he’s been my sous chef for 5 years now. It’s time for him to step into the head chef roll at 56 learning directly from me. I’m very proud of him and all his hard work and excited for the next chapter of 56.”

Andrew was a contestant on series 11 of BBC2's Great British Menu.

>>> Read more of the latest news here

>>> Read more about MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 

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