October 2024
Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards
By Sean Madden
Share post:Read time: approx 3 mins
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.
Check out our latest news stories

University excels across multiple areas in National Student Survey 2025
The University’s commitment to continual improvement has been recognised in the latest round of results from the UK’s l…
Read more
Business School’s excellence recognised with CABS membership
The Business School is delighted to announce it has attained full membership of the Chartered Association of Business Schools.
Read more
University’s “future-ready” health education to drive delivery of 10-year NHS plan
University College Birmingham’s new learning and teaching strategy is set to play a critical role in meeting…
Read more
Chelmsley Wood culinary school makes its mark
Chelmsley Wood culinary school hoardings revealed.
Read more
MP visit champions collaboration as key to changing outcomes for young people
Sarah Smith MP visit champions collaboration as key to improving outcomes for young people.
Read more
Blog | The 9 things we wish we knew before starting university
From staying organised to looking after our wellbeing, there’s a lot we wish we’d thought about before starting our degrees, so…
Read more