Catering training across Green King Pub Company's estate has been given a boost after some of the company's head chefs were rewarded with the title of kitchens of excellence.
Ten chefs were awarded the title in recognition of their creativity, dedication to training and high standards.
The chefs are the first to be accredited under a new scheme, launched in November 2002, to reward the company's food staff.
Area managers nominated Greene King hotel kitchens from across the UK for consideration for the title. Those kitchens were observed during their busiest periods to see how the team worked together.
"The wealth of experience that chefs working for Greene King have is truly exceptional," said catering training manager Phil Bowe.
"This scheme enables the head chefs of the kitchens of excellence to utilise their knowledge by working with other chefs in their area, sharing their skills and promoting high standards.
"Our catering recruits will now be encouraged to spend their first week in a kitchen of excellence learning best practice, with the head chefs acting as mentors to them throughout their careers with Greene King."
The chefs have been awarded commemorative plates and the scheme will now be rolled out to other Greene King divisions. Hungry Horse kitchens of excellence will be announced next month.