Food Excellence Awards
bar dishes
Michael Ward
Head chef, the Highwayman,
Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire
01524 273338
?highwaymaninn.co.uk
Tenure: The second pub from Nigel Haworth's Ribble Valley Inns.
Dish: Highwayman dips - black pea, marrowfat pea and preserved olive
tomatoes, organic breads.
Why is it a winner? It's a twist on the hummus dish, but with more of a traditional feel, so easy to prepare and get out to customers, who love it.
Background: Michael has been a chef for 20 years and now works closely with Nigel Haworth to develop new, seasonal dishes. This is his first head-chef role, and Michael is enjoying developing young chefs.
Judges' comments
A very original idea and the flavours have really been packed into those dips. The breads are fantastic and it's a great dish for vegetarians.
Chris Potts
Second chef, the Wellington,
Wellington, Herefordshire
01432 830367
?wellingtonpub.co.uk
Tenure: Freehold
Dish: Sautéed lambs kidneys with pancetta, porcini mushrooms and basil (£5.50).
Why is it a winner? A great autumn/winter menu dish with big strong flavours and interesting textures. It's great to share as a bar dish or as a starter. A good way to use up lamb's kidneys.
Background: Chris is passionate about using local ingredients. He also does in-house butchery at the Wellington.
Judges' comments
This is a faultless dish and the attention to ingredients sourcing is fantastic.
Arpaid Hubai
Chef de partie, Ring O Bells,
Thornton, Bradford, West Yorkshire
01274 832296
?theringobells.com
Tenure: Freehold owned by Clive and Anne Preston.
Dish: Lamb shish kebab and beef shami kebab served with lime pickle salsa, minted yoghurt dip and onion and cucumber salad (£4.95).
Why is it a winner? It's a combination of two classic, popular meat kebabs served
with great dips and accompanied by the ever-popular naan bread.
Background: Arpaid trained as a chef in Budapest, Hungry. He then spent four years working as chef de partie on cruise ships before relocating to Yorkshire to work at the Ring O Bells.
Judges' comments
The chilli naan bread was incredible. A great concept from a dedicated and passionate chef.
