A teenage chef from The Chester Grosvenor, who started out as an apprentice, has been tipped for the top at the Craft Guild of Chefs annual graduate awards.
Daniel Beech, 19, chef de partie at the Michelin star ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ restaurant, was one of only four young chefs to make the grade in the national final.
He pitted his wits against the best culinary talent in the UK in a competition which aims to put working chefs up to the age of 23 through their paces.
Daniel, who lives in Chester city centre but comes from Malpas, Cheshire, started work at the five star hotel in August 2008 as a 16-year-old NVQ 2 professional cooking apprentice.
Daniel is one of five apprentices The Chester Grosvenor takes on every year in its kitchens.
In just three years he worked his way up through several ranks in the kitchen until he was promoted to chef de partie at the start of 2011.
Daniel, an ex-pupil of Bishop Heber High School, Malpas, said: “I have learned so much over the last three years working at The Chester Grosvenor.
“It was a tough competition and I was really pushed to perform at my absolute best.”
Daniel is the only chef in the north of England to win the Craft Guild of Chefs accolade.
Daniel sat a theory exam to test his knowledge of food before taking a practical test to gauge his butchery and fishmongery skills.
The final test was to produce a fish dish from a mystery basket and a classic meat dish and dessert.
Steve Munkley, Craft Guild of Chefs vice president and awards organizer, said: "The Graduate Awards say yes, I'm making great strides up the career ladder.
“These young chefs have now been verified by the best chefs in the industry, and what a cracking endorsement that is to have on your CV."
Daniel’s prizes include a study tour to Luxembourg with Villeroy & Boch tableware, a fishing trip courtesy of James Knight of Mayfair to learn more about sustainable fishing, a bottle of Pommery champagne and a Robert Welch Designs knife.
He also received a £100 voucher to enjoy a meal at Galvin Bistrot cooked by chef patron, Chris Galvin.
Ray Booker, head chef at ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ restaurant, said: “In just three years Daniel has gone from an apprentice to a talented chef and we couldn’t be more proud of him.
“I am delighted that Daniel has had the chance to compete with the rising stars of tomorrow.
“Everyone at The Chester Grosvenor is thrilled for him.”
For more information contact:
Mary Murtagh, Public Relations
The Chester Grosvenor
Direct Line: 01244 895844
