Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year Competition returns

20-Jul-2017 - Last updated on 21-Jul-2017 at 08:53 GMT

Crucial role: BBPA boss Brigid Simmonds highlighted the importance of recognising the work of pub chefs

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year Competition is back, following its success in 2016.

There are two categories, Pub Chef and Young Pub Chef, at this year’s awards, which are in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and sponsored by Nestlé Professional.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds lauded the chefs in the trade and the crucial role they play throughout the range of dishes they produce.

She said: “With pubs serving around a billion meals each year, it is important to recognise the contribution pub chefs make to the eating-out experience in this country.

“The outstanding range of culinary options that span from breakfast to evening meals demonstrates the huge wealth of creativity and skill in our kitchens, big and small."

Affordable treat

Simmonds added: “Many leading, well-known celebrity chefs have ventured into the pub arena, helping to further boost the quality of food in pubs while still making it an affordable treat.

“Our aim is to highlight the talented chefs around the country, help spot future stars and encourage more young people to consider training and working as a chef in a pub.”

All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman Mike Wood praised the competition. He said: “With more than 100 MPs nominating chefs in their constituencies last time round, I am sure the competition will be well supported in this parliament.

“Pub food has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and it’s great that through competitions like the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year we are able to recognise that.”

Creativity is also being recognised in pubs through their chefs, according to Nestlé Professional managing director George Vezza.