Pack Horse chef wins CGOC award
The accolade was presented at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on 16 June.
Luke Payne, chef-owner of the Pack Horse in Hayfield, was granted the Pub Restaurant Chef Award from the Craft Guild of Chefs.
The accolade was presented at a prestigious awards ceremony, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on 16 June.
Elsewhere on the night, Clare Smyth MBE was honoured with the Special Award, recognising her contributions to the culinary world.
As the first British female chef to hold three Michelin stars, Smyth's influence and innovation continue to set new benchmarks in fine dining. Previous winners of the award include Asma Khan, Simon Rogan and Angela Hartnett MBE.
The former protégé of Gordon Ramsay, Smyth became head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at just 28 and, as chef-patron, took on the three-Michelin-star status at Hospital Road.
She garnered critical acclaim in her role as chef-patron, including a rare 10/10 from the Good Food Guide, Michelin Female Chef of the Year and The Catey Chef of the Year, and was then awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to hospitality.
Smyth opened Core in 2017, with the restaurant earning two Michelin stars just one year later, going on to achieve the ultimate accolade of three Michelin stars in 2021.
David Mulcahy, VP of the CGOC, comments: "Clare Smyth is an exceptional talent whose leadership, creativity and commitment to excellence have not only shaped her own extraordinary career, but inspired countless others in our profession. It is a privilege to honour her with this year's Special Award."
Smyth adds: "Wow, I'm blown away. It's incredible. It's so special to be recognised in such a room. I feel like there are so many special people here who make everything happen in hospitality.
"For the young chefs out there, it's about following your passion and dreams, keep working. It's hard work to get to the top, keep at it. Go to work with the right people. Go to work with people who inspire you."
A night of winners
Other standout winners on the night include Adam Smith of Coworth Park for Restaurant Chef Award, Luis Meza of Hilton London Metropole for Pastry Chef Award, and Kioku by Endo for New Restaurant of the Year Award.
For more information and to browse the full list of winners, head to craftguildofchefs.org.
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