Compass cooks up a storm at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards
Compass took home four awards at The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel earlier this week. The UK’s leading professional chef association, celebrates excellence in culinary achievement at its annual awards ceremony.
Public Sector Chef Award: Matt Lord, ESS
Matt is a passionate and highly accomplished executive chef, exemplifying leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality and service. Seconded into a development role, Matt led on recipe development for ESS’ new Defence dining offer that launched across over 200 military sites in May 2024, working with a multidisciplinary team to create a range of new concepts and more than 400 recipes. Tailored to specific Defence cohorts, the menus comply with comprehensive MOD standards and use Miliary Performance Choice labelling to help diners make balanced meal choices. Alongside this recognition, earlier this year Matt was also named Contract Catering’s Development Chef of the Year and Public Sector Catering’s Chef of the Year.
Contract Catering Chef Award: Adam Thomason, Restaurant Associates
Since rejoining Restaurant Associates a year and a half ago, Adam has redefined what excellence looks like. His transformative leadership, commitment to sustainability and tireless mentorship have placed him firmly at the forefront of the industry. One of his many successes include Restaurant Associates’ first ever Food Programme to support chefs in delivering food that is thoughtful, sustainable and commercially viable. His leadership has also earned accolades at the highest level - as captain of Team England at the 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics, he led his squad to two silver medals.
Banqueting & Event Chef Award: Allen Townsend, Levy
Allen was acknowledged for his extensive career spanning from the Royal Navy to international culinary competitions. He exemplifies excellence, leadership and dedication to the hospitality industry.
Signature events include the Qatar Goodwood Festival and two of the largest motorsport events in the world: the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival. He is celebrated for his leadership and compassion, maintaining a visible, hands-on presence, ensuring the wellbeing of each of the 100+ chefs he works alongside, as well as mentoring young talent. Allen has also won multiple gold and silver medals representing Compass in the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Academy in national and international competitions.
Apprentice Chef Award: Roselle Wu
Roselle was recognised for her time with ESS. In her two years with the company, she made a significant impact, impressing colleagues with her dedication, adaptability and drive for excellence. After relocating to the UK from Hong Kong to pursue a new path, she joined ESS and began working towards her Level 2 Culinary Apprenticeship. Roselle has distinguished herself in the competitive culinary scene, earning silver and bronze medals at the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Skills Arena in her first year. She was also named runner up in the Compass Young Chef of the Year 2024.
Nick Vadis, Culinary Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We’re so proud of our very worthy winners at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. These are among the most respected accolades in the industry, and it was wonderful to see our chefs recognised. They are all exceptional talent, showcasing leadership, creativity, passion and a commitment to excellence that makes them stand out. They thoroughly deserve these titles and I very much look forward to seeing their careers continue to flourish.”
