Gareth Rowlands wins first QHotels Master Chef competition
Gareth Rowlands of the Park Royal in Warrington, has been crowned inaugural winner of the QHotels Master Chef competition.
The event saw 21 chefs from across the 21-strong group create an innovative three-course menu for corporate guests.
Steven Ryder from the Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, was a close second, and finalists Thomas Moody from the Stratford Manor and Richard Williamson from Crewe Hall in Cheshire also impressed judges.
Rowlands, 23, who was a runner-up in last year's Chefs Academy, a 12-month programme for developing young talent at QHotels, said the competition had boosted his confidence, as well as improve his knowledge and kitchen skills. "I loved having the chance to create a menu from scratch for guests to taste and enjoy," he explained.
Rowland's winning menu will be served to corporate guests from September. It features grilled fillet of mackerel, pickled rhubarb and gingered rhubarb hollandaise; braised shin of English beef served with parsnip purée, fondant potato, vegetables and Madeira jus; and chilled lemon soufflé, raspberry sorbet and tuille biscuit
Michael Purtill, QHotels managing director, said that the competition was an extension of the company's ethos to serve locally sourced food to guests. "I'm really proud of the talented chefs within QHotels and the creative menus that have come from the event."
Pictured: Gareth Rowlands receives his award from QHotels managing director Michael Purtill
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By Janet Harmer
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