Celebrated chef Pierre Koffmann lends his support to Bocuse d’Or Team UK

Celebrated chef Pierre Koffmann, who held three Michelin stars at his London restaurant La Tante Claire for 15 years, is joining a line up of British culinary talent to become an ambassador for the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy.

The Bocuse d’Or is the largest and most prestigious chef competition in the world and a platform for the highest standards of culinary skills and techniques. Unlike other countries, which receive significant financial support government and/or industry support, the UK has found it a challenge to generate the awareness and funds required to compete successfully. To address this, the UK Academy was established to secure the financial backing, expertise and support required for Team UK to reach the podium; the chef ambassadors are a key element in this ambition.

The role of a chef ambassador is to share the importance of the Bocuse d’Or to the UK hospitality industry and promote its relevance to a wider audience. The chef ambassadors will also play an active role in recruiting and selecting future candidates, providing input to the culinary and creative development of the UK entry and supporting fundraising and sponsorship activity.

Pierre is joined by some of the UK’s finest talent including Alyn Williams, Ashley Palmer-Watts, Jonny Lake, Mark Garston, Simon Hulstone, Tom Aikens and Tom Sellers.

Andreas Antona, founder and chair of the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy says: “Pierre is well respected both sides of the channel and far beyond. He is a legend among chefs with a great understanding of what it takes to achieve culinary excellence.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have Pierre and these fantastic chefs as our ambassadors. With these passionate and talented individuals on board, we’re moving ever closer to achieving our goal of reaching the Bocuse d’Or podium.”

Pierre adds: “The Bocuse d’Or is a world renowned competition but it doesn’t receive the recognition in deserves in this country. The UK truly has some of the best chefs in the world so it’s about time we get behind the UK team and do our bit to win our rightful place on the podium!”