Britain's Best Brigade winner announced

The chef team at the Rose and Crown in Warwick, part of Peach pubs, have won the title of Britain's Best Brigade in Essential Cuisine's nationwide competition.

The Rose and Crown team were representing the UK pub sector in the competition and won against seven other sectors including restaurants; schools; universities and colleges; event catering; B&I; healthcare and hotels.

After an initial paper judging stage the teams were tasked with creating a short video to go forward to a public vote in which the Rose and Crown team of seven came out top.

Head chef Leon Higham said: "Winning this competition is simply fantastic - and a bigger deal than any of us could have realised. When you look at how many great brigades from across the industry entered, it's really a great achievement to win. I think it shows what Peach is all about; when you recruit a team and put the effort in, you get it back in spades. That's what I have in my team, and I can't wait to go and celebrate with them."

The team has been awarded £1000 and an exclusive menu development masterclass with a leading UK chef. 50p for every vote registered also goes to each brigade's nominated charity with the Peach Foundation, a grant giving organisation set up by the estate, the beneficiary of the Rose and Crown's victory.

Nigel Crane, managing director for Essential Cuisine, added: "We were delighted to have the Rose and Crown as our pub representative, but for them to go on and win is testament to a dedication to togetherness, mentoring and development and, of course, some stunning food, upon which Leon and the Peach establishment insist. Their video entry, while showing off some big personalities, really sold them as a brigade worthy of the win. A fantastic effort. We can't wait to hand them the trophy."

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