They say that hospitality is an international affair. That was certainly true at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill when the results of the GB National Finals of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs and Jeunes Sommeliers Competitions were announced. Of the eight finalists, all working in the United Kingdom, no fewer than five countries were represented.

Winner of the prestigious Jeunes Chef Rôtisseurs title was talented Polish-born Chef Maciej Pisarek, 26, a Demi Chef de Partie in The Savoy’s pastry kitchen. The Jeunes Sommeliers award went to Italian-born Melania Battiston from London’s Medlar Restaurant where she is Head Sommelier and wine buyer. Both will compete at the respective International Finals in the autumn.

“Once again, we have had exceptional young talent in this year’s competitions”, commented Bailli Délégué Philip Evins, Member of the Conseil Magistral, who presented the awards. He continued, “We know how important it is to nurture the future stars of the industry. We wish them every success this autumn when they compete for us on the global stage. We have so much confidence in their talent we are sure they will smash it!”

Over 100 guests joined Philip, Conseiller Culinaire Ben Purton and Échanson Leslie Cuthbert, the competitions’ organisers, at the Churchill Hotel for a glittering five-course dinner created by Executive Chef Carlo Martino.

The finalist young Chefs were each given professional knives from Wüsthof and bottles of Nyetimber English sparkling wine. The young Sommeliers were awarded a set of Zwiesel glasses with their bottles of Nyetimber.

With very grateful thanks to our supporters, namely Bragard, Wüsthof, Zwiesel Glass, Bidfood, CSP, Uropa, Chelmer Foods and SAMAC ‘Macadamias South Africa’ without whom these Awards would not be possible.

Adapted from a detailed report prepared Chargée de Presse Fiona Campbell