United Kingdom national round

To put us in the best stead to reach the Bocuse d’Or podium – something the UK has never achieved to date – Team UK has upped the stakes and launched the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy.
Led by chairman, Andreas Antona, owner of Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham and The Cross at Kenilworth, the launch took place on October 10, 2017, in front of a roomful of industry leaders and MPs at the British Hospitality Association’s Hospitality and Tourism Day.

Andreas said "Over the past few years, we have learnt a lot about what it takes to succeed in the Bocuse d’Or and we are now at a turning point of Team UK’s journey. Having followed the success of countries such as the USA, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, we know what we need to do. The Parliamentary reception gave us the opportunity to share this with those in a position to help and we hope to develop these relationships as we approach the next final. The Bocuse d’Or isn’t just the biggest chef competition in the world, but an opportunity to promote Britain’s fantastic cuisine on an international stage and to cultivate craftsmanship for future generations to come."

CLARE SMYTH, GLOBAL CHEF AMBASSADOR OF TEAM UK

The Bocuse d’Or UK Academy has appointed the three Michelin-starred British chef Clare Smyth as its Global Chef Ambassador.
Last year, Clare was invited to be Honorary President at the Bocuse d’Or European selection in Tallinn, Estonia in October 2020. The experience gave Clare valuable insight into the contest and a desire to support Team UK’s ambitions to reach the podium,  she said “The hospitality industry needs all the support it can get right now and there is no better global platform to showcase our culinary talent than the Bocuse d’Or. With the UK no longer in the EU, now is the time not only to celebrate our chefs but our fantastic suppliers too. I am delighted to accept the position of Global Chef Ambassador and I look forward to working with the committee to help Team UK reap the success that other countries have enjoyed.