By Angela Green: Clare Smyth appointed Bocuse d’Or UK President.
Clare Smyth MBE has taken over the Presidency of Bocuse d’Or UK, assuming the role from Simon Rogan. The move is designed to add further fuel to Bocuse d’Or UK’s ambition to inspire young British chefs and to give Team UK the best chance of winning in the prestigious cooking contest.
Smyth is the first and only British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars for her restaurant Core by Clare Smyth in London, and the fourth British chef in history to receive the honour.
Most recently, she also became the second chef in history to hold three hats at the same time for her restaurant Oncore by Clare Smyth in Sydney, Australia, after just a year opening. Passionate about inspiring young chefs and attracting new talent to the kitchen, she became a Global Ambassador for Bocuse d’Or Team UK in 2021. As President Smyth has one goal, to get Team UK on the podium.
Speaking of her appointment Clare Smyth said: “After witnessing the UK team’s ambition and skill at this year’s Bocuse d’Or World Final, earning them 7th place amongst the world’s best chefs, I am honoured to accept the prestigious role of team President.
“The opportunity is there for Britain to be regarded as one of the best in global gastronomy. Receiving such recognition not only reinforces our influence in the international culinary world, but can also have a huge impact on our hospitality industry by encouraging growth and inspiring the next generation of chefs.
“Team UK undoubtedly has the ability to reach the top, but to do so, we need more investment. Similar to Olympic athletes, this would allow the chefs to dedicate more of their time to train and to practise for the Bocuse d’Or, which we know is a key contributor to the success of the winning teams.”
Further team changes will also see The Ritz London’s John Williams MBE stepping down and the UK’s most successful candidate to date, Adam Bennett from The Cross at Kenilworth, taking over as technical director.
Simon Rogan reflected on his tenure as President saying: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to lead the UK Team as President and I’m proud of what the team has achieved. It’s been a rewarding four years and I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement albeit in a different capacity.”
The next challenge for the Bocuse d’Or UK will be to recruit and train the next candidate and commis chef from a National Selection in June this year. The new team will need then to put in a strong performance at the Bocuse d’Or European selection which takes place in Trondhem Norway from March 19-20, 2024.
