Ben Cowley, junior sous chef at Simpsons in Edgbaston, added to the restaurant’s many accolades when he was named the highest achiever in the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate awards last week.
The Graduate awards are regarded as one of the hardest skills tests in the industry. A total of 14 chefs undertook the final kitchen or pastry exams – after completing an online entry form and regional heats.
Ben received the highest score in the Graduate Kitchen award having impressed the judges in a five hour cook off. Special recognition goes to the highest achiever of each category, which the judging panel unanimously awarded to Ben Cowley for the kitchen and Ieuan Davies for the pastry test.
Ben’s achievement is even more significant given this year’s awards received one of the highest ever number of entries.
Ben was delighted with the recognition saying, “I’m hugely grateful to Luke and Andreas for putting me forward and for the support I’ve received throughout my preparation. It’s a great opportunity for any young chef. It isn’t just about the competing but about finding yourself, learning new skills and rediscovering old skills.”
