Staffordshire’s Hoar Cross Hall has achieved major success at Salon Culinaire, the UK’s most prestigious chef competition held last week.
Tom Biddle and Charlotte Wakelyn both won their categories and showcased their amazing skills, cooking creativity and use of provenance in front of some of Europe’s most notable chefs, hoteliers and restaurateurs.
Executive head chef, Tom Biddle, won best in class in his two categories despite stiff competition from peers in the UK and Malta. The Hall’s pastry chef, Charlotte Wakelyn, stamped her authority as one of the UK’s foremost pastry chefs by scooping bronze and silver awards for her afternoon tea pastries and miniatures. She showcased a menu that included passion fruit & lemon meringue eclair, caramel & sea salt dark chocolate opera slice and individual baked and decorated Battenberg cakes.
Charlotte’s tea-time treats are developing a loyal following from afternoon tea aficionados who visit Hoar Cross Hall to enjoy an annual calendar of themed treats reflecting milestone diary dates and Staffordshire’s seasonal larder.
Charlotte Wakelyn, pastry chef comments, “It’s a pinnacle for any chef to get through to competing at Salon Culinaire, but to come back to the hotel with medals is quite literally the icing on the cake! Chef is incredibly supportive of my work which means that we can forge forward and build a reputation for having one of the best afternoon teas in the UK in what are arguably the most stunning surroundings.”
Adrian Pickard, managing director at Hoar Cross Hall adds, “I’m ecstatic for Tom and his brigade as they are continuing to elevate presence of The Hall as a foodie destination for The Midlands. We want our afternoon teas to be known for their sense of experience for families and friends and Charlotte has just added a huge stamp of approval from the culinary world. Thank you, chefs, and the wider team, who work so hard during the weekends to help create these amazing afternoon tea occasions.”
