19-year old pub chef wins award

19-year old Arthur Quin, chef de partie at the pub, saw off competition from five other regional finalists at a cook off last week at Manchester College, Manchester, before being named champion.

Quin said: “I’m shocked, but obviously I’m over the moon to win. I was nervous in the run-up but I just kept practising over and over again – that helped to overcome the nerves.”

Each contender was asked to create a three-course menu featuring local ingredients for two people.

Quin’s featured asparagus with poached egg and hollandaise, Maryport line caught cod with cauliflower, wild garlic and chicken and a soaked coffee sponge with pea, Armagnac and honey for dessert.

Brian Mellor, chairman of judges, said: “From the heats to the final it’s heartening to see how much effort and energy each competitor put into their menus, especially in the face of a busy working schedule.

“Once again the competition has served to prove that the North West is alive with cooking talent.”

Other judges included Nigel Crane, managing director of Essential Cuisine, Matt Davies, vice chairman of the British Culinary Federation, Steven Doherty, chef patron of First Floor Café, Windermere and Simon Shaw, chef patron of El Gato Negro, Yorkshire.

Coming battle​

Having achieved victory in the regional competition, Quin is now set to compete in the finals of the 2015 Young National Chef of the Year competition.

Judge Doherty said: “He doesn’t realise how good he is. He is an immensely talented young chef.