GBPA Best Young Chef: Samuel McClurkin, the Dog at Wingham
The passion this young chef had for food was a joy to see. Every box was ticked from highlighting the best of the local terroir to ensuring all the team had a say on the menu.
Taking the reins in the kitchen is no mean feat but this chef took everything in their stride and is the deserved winner.
His artistic flair and a determination to experiment with new ingredients meaning each dish on the menu are carefully curated with incredible flavours.
Building up relationships with nearby suppliers means Samuel uses the best ingredients the Kent terroir has to offer, resulting in delicious dishes.
Showcasing the finest
The menu at the Dog showcases the finest, locally sourced produce and thanks to its locality, it’s close to land and sea.
The Dog’s website says Samuel describes himself as “as small town chef with a big aspiration”, which judges certainly agreed with.
After studying professional kitchen cookery for three years, he went on to work under Tom Kerridge at the Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire as well as Stephen Harris of the Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent.
Not only that but he has competed internationally in the south of France where Samuel took home the title at the Entente Cordial – a competition that involved eight colleges and universities of France and Britain.
His experience also includes working with the walls of Windsor castle and Buckingham Palace, serving the royal family and the Queen herself.
In 2017, Samuel joined the team at the Dog as chef de partie and proved a true talent. In May the following year, the head chef role came up and since then, he has shown his flair and passion for food.
