LOCAL award-winning chef Mark Stinchcombe is hoping to cook up another storm as he looks to be named the British Culinary Federation’s ‘Chef of the Year’.
Mark, who is the head chef at Eckington Manor and was named MasterChef: The Professionals winner in 2015, was recently named as a finalist in the prestigious competition and will now compete for the accolade against nine other renowned chefs from across the UK.
Having also won the titles of Young National Chef of the Year and Master of Culinary Arts, Mark now uses his culinary excellence to create unique dishes with produce from Eckington Manor’s farm, orchard, vegetable and herb gardens.
The hotel even hosts its very own cookery school, where Mark passes down his culinary skills to aspiring chefs and interested amateurs.
Mark said: “I’m very humbled to be named as a finalist in this acclaimed competition. The British Culinary Federation highlight the very best of the culinary arts, so to have my named amongst the finalists is quite an honour.
“It’s been an incredible journey and I know I’m going to be coming up against some the best chefs this country has to offer, so whatever happens at the finals, I know I can hold my head high.”
“Eckington Manor is very passionate about food and its farm allows me to showcase dishes that I know are made with the freshest ingredients. We’re obviously very proud to demonstrate a farm to fork journey in all of our dishes, which enhances the special experience of dining with us.”
Sponsored by Aubrey Allen and Bord Bia, the competition’s showpiece event will take place at University College Birmingham next Monday, April 23.
Mark will compete for a place in England’s National Culinary Team, who are competing at the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg later this year under the watchful eyes of judges including Raymond Blanc, Brian Turner and Roger Narbett.
