August 2018

Top chef and longstanding UCB supporter Brian Turner CBE steps down as Bocuse d'Or president

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Top chef and visiting UCB professor Brian Turner CBE has stepped down as president of the prestigious Bocuse d’Or but will stay on the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy as honorary life vice-president.

Brian, who was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at UCB's higher education graduation ceremony last October, held the role for nearly 30 years, but with Team UK once again through to the Bocuse d’Or world final, which will be held in the French city of Lyon in January, he decided the time was right to pass on the mantle.

Simon Rogan, award-winning chef owner of L’Enclume and Rogan and Co in Cartmel and London restaurants Aulis and Roganic, has taken on the role.

Brian said: “Since I very proudly took on the honour of representing the UK in the Bocuse d’Or, the competition has grown to be a truly global event.

“It has been an incredible journey developing wonderful gastronomic relationships with many of the world’s top chefs over so many years. I am extremely grateful to all who have represented the UK and have been part of our team.

“Since setting up the Academy in October 2017, we have grown to become a stronger team and we have a very worthy successor in Simon Rogan. He is a fantastic chef and there is a great deal of respect for what he does within the UK and beyond. I wish him every success in the role.”

The new president paid tribute to his predecessor saying: “I am delighted and humbled to be taking on such a prestigious role. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Brian for his dedication over the past 29 years, which has undoubtedly helped cement the UK’s standing within the Bocuse d’Or family.”

Tom Phillips from London’s Restaurant Story and commis chef Nathan Lane, who earned a Level 3 in Advanced Professional Cookery at UCB and works at Michelin-starred The Cross at Kenilworth, will represent the UK against 23 countries in January’s Lyon final.

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