Staffordshire licensee celebrates Novelli boost

A Staffordshire pub chef is celebrating increased trade after he won a day with celebrity pub chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Chef proprietor Michael Benniston from the Rag pub in Rawnsley won Novelli's help following a Carlsberg masterclass at the TV chef's Hertfordshire-based culinary academy.

Micheal fought off competition with his dish of medium rare rib eye steak atop a crostini with cheese and tomato sauce.

Novelli was impressed with Michael's ability. He said: "Michael is the full package, he presented his food well, the steak had great flavour, and the steak was served medium rare."

The event at the Rag pub was a sell-out and attended by 85 regulars who all feasted on a special sea bass dish prepared with a Carlsberg Export sauce, which was designed by Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Michael said: "Novelli inspired me to try new tastes, use fresh herbs and look at my ingredients differently. After 35 years in the business, this is a great achievement.

"We are already a gastropub and we are booked up for three weeks in advance for weekend tables, but we have seen increased trade since Novelli's visit and a few more strangers have walked through the door. I think we will continue to be busy when everyone else quietens down."

The celebrity chef ended his visit by playing a game of bowls with Michael on the Rag's new county standard bowling green; and by helping the kitchen assistant wash up.