Lancashire chef in Great British Pub Food finals

Michael Weston-Cole, executive head chef for Bowland Village Inns has been named as a 2010 finalist in the Great British Pub Food Awards.

Michael will compete alongside ten other chefs in Leatherhead on January 11 for the chance to be named The Great British Pub Food Chef of the Year 2010.

Bowland Village Inns is the family-run business behind some of Lancashire’s finest pubs; The Fenwick Country Pub and Kitchen in Claughton, Lancaster; The Punchbowl Country Pub and Restaurant in Churchtown, Garstang and The Plough Country Pub and Dining Room in Galgate, near Lancaster. 

Michael, former Lancashire Chef of the Year, completed hi training under Michelin star chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, and is committed to using only the finest ingredients from the pick of the best local suppliers to create traditional English food with a modern edge.

The Great British Pub Food Awards, in association with the Morning Advertiser, is a celebration of pub food as one of the ‘most dynamic, innovative and fastest growing areas of the hospitality industry’.

The shortlist of finalists has been selected following a semi-final paper judging by a panel of industry experts. The successful finalists will battle it out in cook-offs, preparing their dish within a strict time frame of 75 minutes.

Michael’s dessert of butternut squash bavarois, Docker Park Farm goat’s milk ice cream, Atkinsons of Lancaster coffee and chocolate coulis wowed the judges in the semi-final.

Commenting on his position in the final, Michael said: “I am delighted to have made it to the final and hope that my dish has what it takes to win.

“There will be some tough competition, but I am looking forward to battling it out alongside the finest pub chefs from across the country.”

Other chefs competing for the prestigious title will prepare dishes in categories including game, seafood, poultry, pie, roast and fish and chips.

All chef finalists will attend an esteemed awards ceremony, including a drinks reception, band and post awards entertainment, at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on March 11 2010, when the winner will be unveiled.

The Great British Pub Food Chef of the Year 2010 will also have their own specially developed menu served to guests on the evening.

Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and Quality in Tourism have also recently recognised Michael and Bowland Village Inns as a leader in the hospitality field by awarding The Punchbowl Inn in Garstang the ‘Taste of Lancashire Highest Quality Assurance’ achievement.

Judges rated hospitality and food, specifically Michael’s Lancashire inspired menu at the venue, as ‘excellent’ during a recent visit – commenting on the “very clear evidence of locally sourced ingredients” and “polite and friendly level of hospitality extended to all guests, creating a very positive impression.”

Bowland Village Inns has recently invested £300,000 into refurbishing The Fenwick Country Pub and Kitchen in Claughton, Lancaster, which officially opened on Friday, November 20.