UCB trained top chef at "Restaurant of the Year" for 2015

Former UCB student Brad Carter is celebrating after he scooped the title of Readers’ Restaurant of the Year from the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015.

Brad, who opened Carters of Moseley in 2010, won the guide’s regional award for the Midlands before being crowned national winner at a high-profile ceremony in London.

The 32-year-old chef, who runs Carters with his partner Holly Jackson, studied at UCB from 1999-2001, achieving NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in cookery.

Elizabeth Carter, Consultant Editor of the Good Food Guide, said: “It was such a tough judging assignment this year – every one of our regional winners was operating at such a high standard. But ultimately Brad Carter and Holly Jackson’s small neighbourhood restaurant won our hearts and the Good Food Guide’s Readers’ Restaurant of the Year award.

“Exceptional friendliness, sheer professionalism, value for money and food that is not only delicious but also properly prepared, seasonal and locally sourced may be a simple recipe for success, but not many manage to get it so right. I wish every town had a restaurant of this standard.

“There are some fabulous restaurants in Birmingham, and it’s tough to stand out from the crowd – but Carters of Moseley is a fine example of what can be achieved with sheer determination and a modern, fresh outlook.”

Brad cooks at the 32-cover restaurant in a small team with sous chef, Peter Jackson, 24, another UCB alumni.

Brad said he was thrilled and shocked to win the prestigious Good Food Guide award and credited UCB, and chef lecturer Richard Brocklesby, with influencing his successful career.

It was Richard who suggested Brad should work in Menorca after leaving university. The young chef worked at Cobblers in Alaior and it was here that he fell in love with Spanish cooking and food culture, which informs his approach to modern British cuisine.