The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards are seen as the chefs’ Oscars recognising the exceptional talent across the whole of our industry.
Matt Owens, chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Tonight’s winners are a credit to themselves and our industry! This is one of the culinary world’s highest accolades and showcases the amazing talent we have in our industry. Congratulations to you all.”
The Special Award is reserved for one very special person who the Craft Guild of Chefs believes has made an outstanding contribution to the industry and someone who has gone above the call of duty. For over two decades Gary has inspired, trained, mentored and coached some of this country’s most recognised chefs.
His ‘home’ for over 20 years has been manning the pass at the two Michelin Starred Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons as executive head chef and friend to Raymond Blanc who describes him as ‘a truly gifted craftsman’.
Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guid of Chefs, commented: "We at the Craft Guild are so excited to back in person announcing this year’s winners after the pandemic. This year’s brigade of winners are some outstanding chefs from all walks of life and sectors of our industry, with Gary Jones taking the top honour of The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award, a true chefs chef.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, was given the Craft Guild of Chefs Industry Recognition Award for being the voice of the industry. UKHospitality has demonstrated true leadership in the form of Kate Nicholls who has become a regular guest on radio, TV, trade and consumer press, always there to offer perspective and clarity on issues concerning our industry.
Among other notable winners were Jose Souto chef lecturer in culinary arts at Westminster Kingsway College who won the Chef Lecturer Award. Former National Chef of the Year winner Luke Selby received the New Restaurant of the Year Award for opening Evelyn’s Table.
Jake Barwood, head chef at Totteridge Academy, received the Public Sector Chef Award. Not only has he ‘transformed’ school food at Totteridge Academy, he also went above and beyond throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to carry on the mission of transforming school food and providing healthy food for those who need it.
Miller & Carter was named as the Chef’s Favourite Branded Restaurant, which was voted for by Craft Guild of Chefs members and other working chefs. The NHS Chefs Academy won the Culinary Hero Award, which was voted for by the Craft Guild members and other industry colleagues.
Over 600 of the biggest names in the industry showed their support for the winners of the Craft Guild of Chefs 2022 Awards. The full list of this year’s winners:
- Craft Guild of Chefs Industry Recognition Award: Kate Nicholls - UKHospitality
- Apprentice Chef Award, sponsored by Compass Group UK & Ireland: Grace Hawksley – Gravetye Manor
- Armed Forces Chef Award, sponsored by Valentine & CuisinEquip: WO Jonathan Smith – Royal Air Force
- Banqueting & Event Chef Award, sponsored by Major International: Mark Fletcher - Churche's Mansion
- Chef Lecturer Award, sponsored by Wrapmaster: Jose Souto - Westminster Kingsway College
- Chef’s Favourite Branded Restaurant Group, sponsored by Unox: Miller & Carter
- Competition Chef Award, sponsored by McCormick UK Ltd: Graham Singer - Compass Group UK & Ireland
- Contract Catering Chef Award, sponsored by Lakeland Dairies: Karl Griffiths – Sodexo
- Culinary Hero Award, sponsored by Williams Refrigeration: NHS Chefs Academy
- Development Chef Award, sponsored by Essential Cuisine: Vicky Endersen - MSK Ingredients
- Innovation in Sustainability Award, sponsored by Quorn Professionals: Hana Group
- New Restaurant of the Year Award, sponsored by Marsh Commercial: Luke Selby – Evelyn’s Table
- Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Carpigiani: Alistair Birt – Harrods
- Pub Restaurant Chef Award, sponsored by Bidfood: Nina Matsunaga - The Black Bull, Sedbergh
- Public Sector Catering Chef, sponsored by HRC 2023: Jake Barwood - Totteridge Academy
- Restaurant Chef Award, sponsored by Hoshizaki: Dan McGeorge - Rothay Manor
- Young Chef Award, sponsored by DeManincor: AS Shaun Downs – Navy
- Special Award, sponsored by Sodexo UK & Ireland: Gary Jones – Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons