Team UK shows the rest of the world that they are a force to be reckoned with!

Bocuse d’Or, the most prestigious cooking competition in the world, held in Lyon France on the 29th and 30th January, is described by celebrity chef Brian Turner CBE "as the Olympics of high cuisine, there is no cookery competition like it."        

With the help and support of University College Birmingham, local chef Kristian Curtis of Michelin starred Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham was awarded best Commis Chef and Head Chef at Simpsons, Adam Bennett, finished fourth from 24 worldwide finalists and also won best meat dish. “This is by far the best UK result ever" said Adam.        

Both chefs acknowledged that whilst skill is everything in this competition, without the use of the first class facilities and the tremendous support provided by University College Birmingham it would have been very difficult.         

Adam, said, "UCB provided a purpose-built competition kitchen which mirrored the actual Bocuse d’Or competition kitchen.  We were then able to use this unique facility for the 6 months leading up to the competition.  In addition UCB organised a charity dinner and auction which raised significant funds to enable Kristian and myself, together with a team of young aspiring chefs from UCB, to travel to Lyon."         

Adam, said, "the Bocuse competition is something else- six hours of adrenaline-fuelled pressure; whilst Kristian and I have been preparing and practicing at UCB it has been a great opportunity to work with young chefs studying at UCB as they can now see the levels they can aspire to if they work hard."        

The new Bocuse Competition Kitchen is a great future asset for students preparing for a wide variety of competitions and future UK entrants.