Local pub chef Michael di Bella of The Dean Inn, Chichester has been shortlisted as one of just four national finalists in the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year competition, in the under 30’s Young Chef category.
The prestigious award, in its second year, sought nominations from MPs across the country in the search for the most skilled and talented pub chefs. Chef Michael was nominated by his MP, Gillian Keegan for Chichester after he won an online poll. He was shortlisted this week (11th December) after a rigorous judging panel selected the best entries from more than 130 nominations.
The competition is run by the British Beer & Pub Association and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s in partnership with Nestlé Professional.
Eight finalists, four from the Parliamentary Pub chef and four from the Young Parliamentary Pub Chef categories, will go on to battle it out for the title of Parliamentary Pub Chef or Young Pub Chef of 2018 at a cook-off event in Hospitality House, a bespoke training venue in London, on 24th January. They will cook for judges before winners are announced at an award ceremony in the House of Commons on Wednesday 7th February 2018.
Chef Michael said: "I am absolutely delighted to have made it through to the final not just for myself but for the whole team at The Dean Inn. We are constantly looking to showcase the wonderful variety of food in the area and create an exciting dining experience for everyone. Getting through to the final gives another opportunity to show what we can offer here in the heart of The South Downs.”
Gillian Keegan MP said: “I’m delighted that Michael di Bella of The Dean Inn has made it through to the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year Awards’ Big Cook Off. I wish him the best of luck for the event on the 24th January and will keep my fingers crossed. I am looking forward to seeing Michael at the Awards on the 7th February in the Houses of Parliament.”
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, commented: “Last year’s nominees were of a high standard but this year really has seen a step up in quality. The entries showed the breadth of talent on display in our pubs and I am excited to see what our finalists produce in the cook off.”
Judge Andrej Prokes, Executive Chef at Nestlé Professional commented: "The standard of entries for this year's competition was extremely high. I was really impressed with the quality and attention to detail shown by the nominees. The finalists can already be really proud of what they've achieved and I am excited to sample their work in the cook off."
The panel of expert judges included Paul Dickinson, Director of Food at Fuller’s; Andrej Prokes, Executive Chef at Nestlé Professional; Kate Hempsall, consultant to the beer and pub trade; and Dawn Redman, Director at Hospitality Jobs UK.