Ray brings home the trophy

We’re celebrating here in the pub that our talented head chef Ray has been named one of the best chefs in the industry.

Ray won the title of Pub Restaurant Chef at this year’s Craft Guild of Chefs Awards, earning him a place in the country’s culinary elite.

He won the award after his achievements at the pub and throughout his career were singled out for praise by the Craft Guild of Chefs judges, who reported that the high standard of entries this year had given them plenty to think about.

More than 800 people attended the award ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel including Ray, his parents and a few of us from the pub.  We were thrilled when his name was read out and gave him the biggest cheer of the night!

Ray says that winning the award is definitely up there as one of the biggest moments in his career so far, and a real honour.  Competition is very stiff – these awards are keenly sought by some of the most skilled and experienced chefs and getting to the finals is a big achievement.  Taking home the trophy on the night is massive and testament to all of Ray’s hard work and dedication.

Ray also puts winning down to the fact that he had very good role models – his parents ran two pubs in Crowthorne and Ray grew up watching them make a success of their business.  They always went out of their way to make sure they looked after their guests really well and give them everything they wanted.

After getting an apprenticeship locally with Hilton Hotels, Ray found widespread success in London working in Café des Amis in Covent Garden and Hush in Mayfair.  Eventually he came back closer to home to where his heart was – great pubs.  We’re just pleased he chose ours.

Ray’s win has made it into the media with some great coverage here. Come and have a drink with us soon to celebrate.

Congratulations Ray!  A truly well-deserved win.

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