Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards

October 2024

By Sean Madden

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A University College Birmingham graduate picked up the 'Best Newcomer' accolade at Birmingham Hospitality Association's first annual awards.

The association's inaugural ceremony took place in the recently renovated Grand Ballroom of the Birmingham Grand Hotel, marking a memorable evening for the city’s hospitality sector.

University College Birmingham, renowned for its long-standing tradition of providing qualifications in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts, proudly sponsored the 'Rising Star' category, with chef lecturer and head of the college of food Lewis Walker presenting the award to the winner.

Methus Sawangseang, who graduated from the Professional Chef foundation degree course in 2023, scooped the award following his work at the restaurant of The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

His culinary journey with the University began in 2019 when he enrolled on Level 2 Professional Cookery, before advancing onto the Level 3 course.

Methus expressed his surprise upon receiving the award, saying: "I wasn’t expecting this at all, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful to my team for nominating me."

Lewis Walker was full of enthusiasm for the event, and praise for his former student: “The inaugural awards for the Birmingham Hospitality Association were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the exciting, diverse, and vibrant work taking place in the industry. It was great to support new emerging talent, and I'm especially proud to see Methus scoop his award," he said.

"The evening was a celebration of the immense talent in the city's hospitality scene, and University College Birmingham is honoured to be part of this journey, recognising and nurturing the future stars of the industry."

University College Birmingham is a leading provider of specialist training for the food and hospitality industries, with students learning in our award-winning training restaurant and industry-standard kitchen facilities.

Discover our courses within our Department of Hospitality and Tourism and Birmingham College of Food.