Michael Gove MP has nominated local pub Head Chef of the Inn West End, Taylor Batey, for the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year Award. Mr Batey will be judged by a panel of experts, who will decide whether he will go through to the final stages. The Award, sponsored by Nestlé Professional, will be presented in the House of Commons in the New Year, and is run by the British Beer & Pub Association and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
Pubs serve almost a billion meals a year, with an increasing number of pubs recognising that great food will attract more customers. Pubs are also vital to the local economy in every part of the country, offering valuable and flexible employment.
With a national shortage of pub chefs, in 2015 the BBPA, in conjunction with the British Institute of Innkeepers (BII), launched the Pub Chef Passion initiative, aimed at promoting Pub Chef as a career option. This Award seeks to build on that work, and encourage young chefs towards a career in the pub trade.
Michael Gove MP comments:
“Last Friday, my team and I had the huge pleasure of devouring the delicious food on offer at The Inn West End, and I am delighted to nominate the Head Chef for this Award. Our food was exceptional, and it was truly difficult to choose from such an imaginative menu. I look forward to sampling more Chef Batey creations very soon!”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:
“I am delighted that Michael Gove MP is working with us on this great Award. A career as a pub chef is exciting and demanding, and it offers young people development, rewards and a great working environment.
“Pubs are increasingly serving very high quality food, and for ambitious chefs it’s a great chance to quickly take control of your own kitchen. I think it is time that we recognise the efforts of superb chefs up and down the country.”