In the lead-up to the event, Senior Sous Chef, Stuart Scanlan, and front-of-house Team Leader, Josh Bond, dedicated weeks of preparation, rehearsing every Friday for up to two months prior to the event. Their hard work culminated in a polished and professional performance on the day, as they tackled the challenge’s demanding Asian Fusion theme.
The duo presented a thoughtfully curated dining experience, blending bold flavours with technical skill:
The experience was enhanced with carefully paired wines, alongside drinks crafted by Josh:
Josh described the food as, “…the best quality food I’ve ever tasted… It was absolutely gorgeous and amazing.”
The competition began at 11:00am, with teams given two and a half hours to deliver a full dining experience for two guests. Judging was rigorous, with multiple judges, including a previous year’s winning chef, assessing both culinary execution and front-of-house service.
Teams were also evaluated on presentation and guest experience, with elaborate table settings on display across the room. Competitors showcased dramatic elements such as dry ice, water features, and intricate décor including bonsai trees and Japanese-inspired features.
Despite operating with a more modest budget, Ashorne Hill held their own among teams that “really went all out” on visual presentation.
Although Ashorne Hill did not take home an award, their performance did not go unnoticed. Judges recognised the high standard of both cooking and service, and the team was considered among the strongest contenders on the day.
Renata Homer, Head of Operations and Customer Experience, shared her pride in the team’s achievement:
“Stuart and Josh did an amazing job… Josh was a diamond and delivered a sterling performance, and Stuart’s food was gorgeous. The standard was incredibly high, and although we didn’t win, Ashorne was in the conversation for several awards. Josh also earned work experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is an amazing achievement.”
She also extended thanks to the wider team for their support on the day, highlighting the importance of having colleagues there to provide encouragement and reassurance.
Beyond the results, the challenge proved to be a rewarding and memorable experience. From the intensity of the competition environment to the celebratory awards evening in Loughborough, the event highlighted the importance of teamwork, creativity, and delivering a complete guest experience.
For Ashorne Hill, it was not just about competing but about growing and demonstrating excellence.
