Ian Musgrave from the Ritz London wins BCF Chef of the Year 2018

Ian Musgrave from the Ritz London was named the British Culinary Federation Chef (BCF) of the Year 2018 on Monday night (23 April).

As the 16th winner of the competition, Musgrave joins an elite group of past winners and Michelin-starred chefs which includes Simon Hulstone, Luke Tipping, Richard Turner, Adam Bennett, Matt Cheal, Adam Handling and Martin Carabott.

Musgrave was one of 10 chefs to reach the live final cook-off, which was compèred and judged under the watchful eye of chef Brian Turner.

This year the finalists had to produce a three-course meal for two covers that centred on using Irish sirloin of beef.

Musgrave's winning menu comprised: langoustine à la nage, cauliflower and dulse seaweed; Irish beef sirloin, caramelised whey onions, confit leeks and morels; followed by chocolate souffle and crème chantilly for dessert.

Judges at this year's competition included Roger Narbett (chairman); Ashley Palmer-Watts, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Sat Bains, Restaurant Sat Bains; Brian Turner; Pierre Koffmann; Adam Smith, Coworth Park; and Martin Carabott, previous Chef of the Year winner and Roux Scholar 2018.

Edward Marsh from the Manor House hotel in Castle Combe, Wiltshire, was named runner up, while Richard Dutton from University College Birmingham came third.

Competition organiser and BCF president Peter Griffiths said: "This competition continues to attract some of the industry's best. From the initial paper judging to a very exciting and competitive semi-final, through to the last 10 in the final, we have witnessed some terrific and innovative cooking, showcasing Irish beef.

"The talents of the finalists really shone in their finished dishes. They were a credit to themselves, the industry and the British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year 2018."

FINALISTS IN FULL
• Matthew Nicholls, Cheal's of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire
• Josh Donachie, the Frog E1, London
• Leonidas Kattou, Simpsons restaurant, Edgbaston
• Richard Dutton, University College Birmingham
• Greg Newman, the Kings hotel, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
• Jamie Coleman, the Masons Arms, Knowstone, Devon
• Ian Musgrave, the Ritz London
• Ashley Sargent, Clare College, Cambridge
• Edward Marsh, the Manor House, Castle Coombe, Wiltshire
• Mark Stinchcombe, Eckington Manor, Worcestershire

Martin Carabott wins BCF Chef of the Year 2016 >>

BCF Chef of the Year semi-finalists revealed >>

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