A HOSPITALITY empire is celebrating after eight of its chefs were recognised by a prestigious culinary association.

Ian Rhodes, Andy Hirst and Jamie Jackson, from the Talbooth Restaurant, in Dedham, have admitted to the Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB).

Sarah Norman from the Milsoms, Stevie Robson and John Goff from The Pier at Harwich have also been recognised, along with Stuart Oliver and Geoff Johnson from the Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.

Started in 1980, the association promotes all that is best about British cooking to both the chef and the consumer.

It is a forum for exchanging culinary ideas and furthering the profession through training and guidance for young chefs.

Alongside this, the MCGB is proud to organise competitions, masterclass demonstrations and charitable work to further enhance our industry.

Andy Hirst, who is the executive chef at the Talbooth Restaurant, said: “ It is a proud moment for my career and all the peers within the company that are now part of this prestigious group.

“We will get to discuss what is going on in the catering industry and how we can drive it forward.

“To actually come to work with intelligent, driven and ambitious people is great. We are all here for the same reason and we want to put smiles on people’s faces.”

Andy says his entry to the culinary world was accidental, but his passion for cooking has only become stronger.

He said: “I lived abroad and had to earn some money so I found a job in a kitchen and I loved it.

“So when I returned home from my travels I decided that is what I wanted to do. That was 19 years ago. “ Paul Milsom, managing director of Milsom Hotels, has also expressed his excitement from the chefs’ achievements.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see eight of our chefs gain recognition from the Master Chefs of Great Britain in this special year.

“Their talent, hard work and ability to train young chefs is what allows our restaurants to flourish and stay relevant, particularly in such challenging times.”

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