Industry urged to support Hulstone

The hospitality sector has been urged to provide support to help the UK win a medal in this year’s Bocuse d’Or.

Simon Hulstone, chef proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant in Torquay, and this year’s Knorr National Chef of the Year winner, will be flying the flag for the UK in Lyon from 27-28 January 2009.

Hulstone, who will be challenging 23 other countries under the banner, “Allez les Boeufs”, is backed by the Academy of Culinary Arts and his father and mentor, Roger Hulstone, but has warned that more investment is needed.

“I want to go into the competition fully prepared but to practice sufficiently requires me buying in and serving 28 covers each time, which is a considerable investment, both in terms of time and costs,” he said.

“In difficult economic times, it’s understandable that donations haven’t been rolling in, but it’s a shame that the industry doesn’t use this opportunity to demonstrate Britain’s excellent culinary credentials to a global audience.”

In many countries, the Bocuse d'Or is the highlight of the culinary calendar and the competing chef receives significant financial support. This has never been the case in the UK and the competition doesn't have a high enough profile to secure the investment that it deserves.

John Williams, chairman of the Academy of Culinary Arts, added: “We are hugely grateful for the support we have received so far.

“However, in the current economy we’re finding it an even bigger struggle so we’re calling on everyone in the industry to make a donation, no matter how small, and show their support for a very talented and determined British chef.”

If you can support Hulstone’s bid to win the competition, call Susanna Bentall at the Academy of Culinary Arts on 020 8673 6300 or e-mail: susannabentall@academyofculinaryarts.org.uk

For more information about the Bocuse d’Or go to www.bocusedor.com

News item | Published 8 Jan 2009