Opinions on why the PubChef awards are a winner
"Last year's awards was the first competition I'd entered and I enjoyed the experience. I met some great people and the publicity has had a really positive effect on business at the Linnet. Also, to have my photo in the papers made me proud. We've had my award-winning pork dish on the menu for months now and it's proving so popular that it will probably stay on for the rest of the year. I'll definitely be entering this year."
Neil Clark, Pub Chef of the Year 2005 and head chef at the Linnet, Great Hinton, Wiltshire
"Winning the desserts category at the PubChef Awards gave the whole kitchen a boost. It showed my chefs that a dish, which they all cook regularly, was a prize winner. That gave us confidence in our ingredients and culinary skills. I also feel it gives customers confidence in the pub and we've noticed that trade has remained steady through the quiet winter period. The awards were well organised and a pleasure to compete in. There was a great spirit among all the chefs."
Gareth Eddy, desserts category winner and head chef at Old Custom House/Pescadou, Padstow, Cornwall
"It's a chance for chefs to shine and show what they can do. I found the awards a really entertaining day out and I was impressed with the standard of the chefs taking part. I was very interested to see what other pubs were cooking and the kind of local produce on their menus. Industry awards are also a superb way of raising the profile of your pub, which can provide a significant boost to profits."
Ian Martin, Food from Britain category finalist and chef/proprietor at the Freemasons Arms, Wiswell, Clitheroe, Lancashire
"I received coverage in the local paper after taking part in the PubChef Awards and the sales of my entry dish went through the roof. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend entering to other pub chefs."
Steve Prescott, finalist in the starters category and head chef at the Eagle & Child, Parbold, Ormskirk, Lancashire
"Things have really taken off at the pub since entering the awards. We've just been listed in a leading pub food guidebook and I think the awards helped put us on the map. I had some posters put up of my entry dish, which were good for sales. It was also great to be able to swap ideas with other chefs."
John Williams, favourites category finalist and proprietor/chef at the Bull Country Bistro, Shocklach, Malpas, Cheshire
"The PubChef Awards were fantastic. I made loads of new friends in the industry who've really helped me. The exposure for my restaurant, my career and myself was really superb and the awards night was something to really look forward to after the Christmas rush. I would recommend the competition to anybody looking to showcase their talents at a national level."
Daniel Kirkpatrick, meat category winner, the Garsdale Country Inn, Lancashire