Lexington Head Chef, Ben Tamlyn and Chef de Partie, Hannah Westphalen successfully defended Lexington’s number one spot and won an unprecedented second gold at the annual Association of Catering Excellence ‘Ready Steady Cook’ challenge on 26 September, held at Imperial College, London.
Lexington’s performance firmly cements Lexington’s reputation as an industry leader and menu innovator: in over ten years of competition history, no team has won gold twice, let alone twice in a row!
All competing teams were given a mystery bag of ingredients, 30 minutes to plan their menu and then just 30 minutes to cook two courses with just one induction hob to cook on. Out of 14 teams, made up of the best contract catering companies, Ben and Hannah blew the competition out of the water and stormed into first place with their menu of seared mackerel with Asian soused cauliflower, sweet potato puree and cauliflower stem slaw, followed by Bramley apple Ile flottante with toffee apple and nougatine.
Jason Atherton who was a guest judge commented “”These guys have passion and dedication for their clients. It’s wonderful to see them competing against each other, and it’s great to offer support and respect as a Michelin starred chef. I was impressed with the balance of flavours from the Lexington team – a dish might look amazing but if it doesn’t taste good, it’s no good.” Ben and Hannah have both won a tasting menu for two at the three Michelin starred The Fat Duck, and a tour of the kitchen by the Head Chef.
Followed by success at the ‘Lunch Business’ Grab & Go Awards 2013
Lexington Catering were big winners at the second Lunch Business Grab & Go Awards on 26 September, grabbing four out of the five awards for which they were shortlisted.
The awards recognise and celebrate the Grab & Go retail leaders of the UK across a number of sectors including retail and contract catering. Lexington cemented their reputation as being an industry innovator by winning:
- Contract Catering Grab & Go Concept, accepted by David Steel – Group Development Chef for Lexington’s “Let’s Energise” range
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), accepted by Rachel Lindner – Founding Director
- Group Area Manager of the Year, won by Chloe Smith, Operations Manager
- Group Manager of the Year, won by Rhondda Bampfylde, General Manager
Mike Sunley, Chief Executive of Lexington commented; “This was the first time we have entered these awards so to come away with four out of the five awards is a fantastic achievement and is a real testament to the hard work ethic and dedication to excellence that everyone at Lexington has.
Lexington is all about its food and our people, so to be successful in categories that recognise our great food concepts and the fab team members we have here is particularly special.”