Bullard in the company of his heroes
HAWTHORNS executive chef Michael Bullard was the toast of his peers at the Craft Guild of Chefs (CGoC) Awards in London on Monday night – as he joined a list of famous faces to be honoured by the prestigious association.
The 28-year-old picked up the Banqueting and Event Chef Award in the company of former CGoC recipients Brian Turner, Albert Roux, Marco Pierre White, Raymond Blanc, Pierre Koffmann and James Martin.
The ceremony, which took place at Mayfair’s Grosvenor Hotel, honours the country’s culinary experts in 16 different categories.
Bullard, who fought off stern competition from representatives of Chelsea, Newcastle United and The O2 Arena, was presented with his award by HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
And the Baggies gastronomist, who was put forward for the award anonymously by a fellow chef, admits he is delighted to have been recognised at the high-profile event.
“It’s great to have received such a prestigious award,” said Bullard.
“Going into the awards I did not expect to win as I was up against chefs who are held in high esteem across the industry.
“To be applauded by some of the best chefs in the industry, including some of my heroes was really quite something.
“We try to offer good value for money to hospitality guests at The Hawthorns.
“That’s something we’ve set out to do and I think this award suggests we are meeting our objective.”
Bullard was named Chef of the Year at the 2012 MARCHE (Midland Association for Restaurants, Caterers, Hotels and Entertainment) Awards and has gone on to receive national acclaim since joining the club over 12 months ago.