Andrew Willcox, a chef at Cheadle Hulme School in Cheshire, has beaten hundreds of chefs to win the Sodexo Chef of the Year title in a competition held at Hotelympia.

Willcox was one of 10 chefs who competed in the final, representing Sodexo's healthcare, education, defence and corporate services segments.

As part of the competition, chefs had to prepare and present a three-course menu in 90 minutes in front of a live audience made up of friends, family, colleagues, leading industry figures and even Matt Dawson, former England International Rugby player and now a Sodexo ambassador.

Finalists were asked to use Marine Stewardship Council accredited fish as part of their main dish and prepare a pear-based dish as dessert. 

Willcox's winning menu was a roast fillet of hake with langoustine and salmon ravioli as the main, and a pear and almond frangipane crumble tartlet with vanilla anglaise, for dessert. He secured the gold 'best in class' medal, awarded by an independent panel of judges.

David Mulcahy, craft and food development director for Sodexo UK & Ireland and organiser of the event, said: "Andrew performed fantastically well and is a highly deserving winner. To perform the way he did at Hotelympia, one of the most prestigious culinary events in the UK, in a very challenging competition environment, is testament not only to his vast talent, but also to the support he has been able to call upon during the competition."

Words: Maria Bracken

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