Cheshire’s Chef of the Year

There was double cause for celebration this week at Carden Park. The prestigious Cheshire Life Food & Drinks Awards returned to our countryside hotel once again for an evening of divine food, award wins and plenty of good cheer. For us, the celebrations really commenced when our very own Executive Head Chef, Harri Williams, was named Chef of the Year.

The award recognises a remarkable first year for Harri since stepping up as Executive Head Chef. He has led the culinary vision across the resort, overseeing an extensive banqueting operation as well as Redmond’s Brasserie, Elements, Morgan’s Bar, Jack’s Bar and our 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, The Vines.

Harri’s passion and commitment were on full display in the lead up to the awards. He was determined not to miss out on an evening celebrating and recognising the region’s finest chefs and hospitality professionals; he actually postponed the start of his holiday with his wife and friends. Instead, Harri chose to remain at Carden Park to lead his kitchen brigade in creating the bespoke three course menu for the awards.

The menu for the evening:

• Starter: Perl Las Cheese Mille-Feuille with celery, apple and watercress
• Main: BBQ Duck Breast with braised leg ragout, pommes daupinne, courgette and basil, spring onion and a preserved garlic jus
• Dessert: Strawberry Delice with bitter orange, Carden gin infused macerated strawberries and a cucumber and mint sorbet

The impressive menu took three days of meticulous preparation, with Harri working alongside his talented team. He still will be able to relax and enjoy his holiday, as a few hours after the event finished, he flew to meet his wife and friends.

After guests had enjoyed their three course gala dinner, Harri joined all of the guests in The Carden Suite for the main event; the announcement of the award winners. Harri commented before the ceremony that he was honoured to be a finalist, being recognised alongside some of the finest chefs in the region was more than he could have hoped for. 

As he was crowned Chef of the Year, the surprise and delight from Harri was easily noticed. As he accepted his award, he dedicated it to his entire team stating that “without the team, none of this would be possible.”

Congratulations once again Harri and the entire kitchen brigade. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of you as you continue to raise the bar for culinary excellence.