The team won gold at the annual Association of Catering Excellence ‘Ready Steady Cook’ challenge on Thursday 26th September, held at Imperial College, London.
Lexington’s incredible performance firmly cements Lexington’s reputation as an industry leader and menu innovator. In over ten years of competition history never has a team won gold twice, let alone twice in a row!
All competing teams were given a mystery bag of ingredients, 30 minutes to plan their menu and then just 30 minutes to cook two courses with just one induction hob to cook on. Out of 14 teams, made up of the best contract catering companies, Ben and Hannah blew the competition out of the water and stormed into first place with their menu of seared mackerel with Asian soused cauliflower, sweet potato puree and cauliflower stem slaw, followed by Bramley apple Ile flottante with toffee apple and nougatine.
Jason Atherton who was a guest judge commented “”These guys have passion and dedication for their clients. It’s wonderful to see them competing against each other, and it’s great to offer support and respect as a Michelin starred chef. I was impressed with the balance of flavours from the Lexington team – a dish might look amazing but if it doesn’t taste good, it’s no good.” Ben and Hannah have both won a tasting menu for two at the three Michelin starred The Fat Duck, and a tour of the kitchen by the Head Chef.
This was a fantastic result for both Ben and Hannah. Ben only recently joined Lexington after a very successful career with Sodexo Prestige and Hannah has returned to a full time role after completing her Academy of Culinary Arts Specialised Chefs Scholarship at Bournemouth and Pool College.
Rob Kirby, Chef Director at Lexington commented ‘What a fantastic result for Team Lex! We are all so proud of what Ben and Hannah have achieved – what a way for Ben to start his career with Lexington. I have been privileged to see first-hand the incredible journey that Hannah has been on over the last few years, both with Lexington and at Bournemouth, she is a real star in the making! And to top off that result Lexington also won four awards at the Lunch Business Grab and Go awards the same night – what a night for Lexington!’
Last year Lexington, represented by Matt Jaynes and Laura Hodgskin won the competition – can Lexington make it three in a row in 2014?
