Tom Phillips, executive chef of the two Michelin starred restaurant, will be the next chef to represent the UK in the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s largest and most prestigious chef contest.
Chris Emery, executive chef at Orelle in Birmingham, was the other finalist, selected following a three month application process.
The Bocuse d’Or UK Selection took place at the University of West London on Friday 8th September. The chefs had four hours and five minutes to produce and present a plated dish of Scottish Scallop sponsored by Seafood Scotland and a Saddle of Lamb platter sponsored by Aubrey Allen.
It will be the second time Tom has represented the UK as candidate in the Bocuse d’Or. He and his then commis chef Nathan Lane, secured a place in the final at the European heats in Turin in 2018 achieving 10th place in Lyon in 2019.
The theme on the plate required the chefs to prepare Scottish Scallop with at least three ingredients from a list including: artichoke, beetroot, walnuts, almonds, carrot, broccoli, spinach, kale, tomatoes, sweet potato, red pepper, beans, seeds, turmeric and spelt. Ingredients selected for their health benefits as part of Bocuse d’Or UK’s commitment to supporting The Cancer Platform, from The Cancer Awareness Trust. The platform will be an invaluable companion to those affected by cancer, providing trusted information, help and advice to help strengthen and empower their cancer journey at every stage.
The theme for the platter was a short saddle of lamb with sweetbreads, presented whole or as two loins with two seasonal garnishes per portion and a sauce.
Tom Phillips was supported by commis chef Harry Van Leirop whilst Zach Shaw worked alongside Chris Emery.
Tom will now compete for a place in the world final in the European heats in Trondheim, Norway on March 19-20, 2024.
The jury comprised of four award-winning British Chefs, with seven Michelin stars between them. These included:
- Bocuse d’Or UK President, Clare Smyth MBE, Core by Clare Smyth
- Bocuse d’Or Technical Director, Adam Bennett MCA, executive chef at the Michelin starred Cross at Kenilworth and the UK’s most successful Bocuse d’Or candidate to date.
- Honorary judge, Alex Dilling, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal
- Ian Musgrave, The Ritz London, Bocuse d’Or UK Candidate 2019-2023
Jackets for the competitors and jury were provided by Bragard.
Following the announcement Clare Smyth, said: "There is no doubt that it’s a challenging time in UK hospitality and to represent your country in the
Bocuse d’Or is a massive undertaking for any chef. This considered, we are lucky to have two such strong candidates compete today in the national selection. We have a worthy winner in Tom but it was very encouraging to see the standards set by both the chefs and their commis today."
Andreas Antona Chair of Bocuse d’Or UK and founder of the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy was similarly impressed, stating that whilst Chris and Zach weren’t
successful on this occasion he wanted to offer both the opportunity to
shadow Tom in his preparations and become part of the Bocuse d’Or family.
