Denmark takes Bocuse d'Or gold as Team UK claims tenth place

Denmark has taken home gold at this year's Bocuse d'Or following the international contest's tense final in Lyon, France.

It is the second time Team Denmark has taken the top prize in the international contest dubbed the world cup of cuisine. Silver was handed to Sweden, and bronze to Norway, while Team UK took tenth place out of the competition's 24 contestants.

The themes of this year's competition paid tribute to two industry titans who passed away in the last year. In memory of Paul Bocuse, who founded the competition, the teams were tasked with creating a platter of veal. Alongside this, competitors were given the brief of a seafood chartreuse to honour Joel Robuchon, who passed away last October.

Awards were also handed out to Denmark for best commis, Morocco for best team poster and France won the special plate prize. Finland took home the platter award.

Team UK saw Tom Phillips of Restaurant Story and his commis Nathan Lane put their skills to the test under the watchful eyes of team coach Adam Bennett and newly appointed UK president Simon Rogan. Rogan took over the role from Brian Turner last year after the chef had put in almost 30 years of service.

The two-year process saw Phillips and Lane compete and qualify first in the UK heats and then in the European heats in Turin. Alongside friends and family he was cheered on by a raucous UK contingent, including the England Football Supporters Band who played throughout the notoriously loud heats.

Speaking to The Caterer in Lyon ahead of the result, Phillips said: "Top ten is what I want to be and anything above that is just a bonus."

For more on Team UK's Bocuse journey check out The Caterer magazine on 8 February.