Ben Champkin who works under Chef Patron and BCF member Simon Hulstone at Michelin Starred The Elephant Restaurant, Torquay was crowned British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year 2012 at a dinner and impressive ceremony attended by 90 industry guests at University College Birmingham on Monday 12th November.
Ben commented on his success: “It was a hard competition and a real honour to win.” In second place was Leonidas Kattou of Michelin starred restaurant, Simpson’s in Birmingham and third was Lee Warren of Haileybury College, Hertford, part of Compass Group UK.
16 finalists aged 23 years and under took part in an adrenalin-fuelled cook off at University College Birmingham’s Bonnet kitchens on Monday 12th November. The other finalists included: Arran Jones, Moat House Hotel, Acton Trussell; Marie Kenny, University College Birmingham; Daniel Lee, Woodland Park Hotel, Leatherhead; Wayne Herrington, Stoke Park, Stoke Poges; Luke Miller, Aston Villa Football Club; Gareth Wayt, Opus Restaurant, Birmingham; William Tranter, The Queens, Belbroughton; Matthew Ryle, The Dorchester Hotel, London; Joshua Goode, Bournemouth & Poole College; Andrew Leonard, Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland; Terry Tomlinson, The King’s Arms, Christchurch; Tom Phillips, The Ritz Hotel, London; Julien Pickersgill, The House of Commons.
Competitors had to create a three course meal for two persons, incorporating a starter to include Cod, a main course to include Offal and a sweet of their own choice. Competition organiser and BCF President Peter Griffiths MBE said it was a terrific competition with extremely high standards. “It’s incredibly hard to cook for such a scrupulous judging panel when you are so young. Over the years, we have seen some extraordinary young chefs go through this competition and it’s very encouraging to see such high standards being achieved. Much credit should go to all the competitors and their mentors.”
The judges were Eric Bruce, Chef Patron, Restaurant Severn in Ironbridge, Shropshire; Jerry Toth, General Manager/Operations Director, Sundial Group; Paul Gould OBE, previously Executive Chef, NEC Group and Claire Hutchings, a previous runner-up and a finalist in BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals. As well as receiving The David Bache Trophy, Ben was also presented with a cheque for £200, a study trip to Luxembourg compliments of Villeroy & Boch, a personalised chef’s jacket, framed certificate and a commemorative plate.
Now in its 15th year, the annual competition, which this year was sponsored by Hobart Cooking Solutions, Gourmet Classic, Major International, FishCo and supported by Villeroy & Boch, has discovered some incredible talent, attracting a host of young chefs from top hotels, restaurants and prestigious catering venues throughout the UK.
Last year’s winner was Kristian Curtis from Simpson’s restaurant, Birmingham, while previous BCF Young Chef of the Year winners have included Rositsa Nikolova of the House of Commons, Helen Evans of Simpson’s in Birmingham, Marcus Eaves from Michelin starred restaurants, L’Autre Pied and Pied a Terre both in London; Ben Ternent of Opus Restaurant, Birmingham; Micheal Dipple while at The Forest Hotel, Dorridge, now Head Chef of Glynn Purnell’s new eaterie; Daniel Morris, Michelin starred restaurant, The Elephant in Torquay and Sue Ellis from Belle House, who has appeared on Channel 4 cookery programmes and had recipes featured in the Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook. So Ben joins a very talented group of predessors.