Young Sommeliers Competition 2017

Nowhere could be more fitting than the Orchid Room at The Dorchester, which provided a spectacular backdrop, to honour the young rising stars across the Chaîne’s professional membership at this year’s Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ Young Professionals 2017 contests.

The glittering awards ceremony was hosted at the end of March to announce the winners of the UK Young Chef and Young Sommelier Awards 2017, and select those who will go forward to represent Great Britain in the International Finals this autumn.

With top names in hospitality attending the Awards — alongside media guests, judges, and supporting Chaîne’ members — this year saw Piotr Pietras of Launceston Place in Kensington who led the field winning the title of Chaîne de Rôtisseurs’ Young Sommelier of the Year Award UK 2017.

Piotr will go on to represent GB in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ International Young Sommelier Finals which take place in Budapest on 28 and 29 September 2017.

The International Finals see the top Chaîne talent from all over the world compete for the ultimate slots. The UK has experienced unprecedented success at the International Finals when it comes to Young Sommeliers, taking a top three spot in the 7 years we have competed. Indeed, Piotr will have to face two dozen peers from around the globe to make it an eighth top placing.

Piotr fought off stiff competition this year from their rivals. Runners up in the Young Sommelier’s contest were: Oliver Frayssinet of La Trompette in Chiswick, with Tamas Czinki of Northcote Manor placed third.

Guests at the Awards Dinner were treated to a sensational gastronomic 7-course menu specially prepared by Henri Brosi’s team at The Dorchester to include seared foie gras, cheese soufflé, ahi tuna, rose veal, citrus fruits granit and apricot and rosemary clafoutis topped off with Kona Gold Rum coffee and petits fours.

Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué, paid tribute to The Dorchester’s immense skill in providing a menu of incredible standard to so many individuals and congratulated all the contestants and, in particular, the winners of this year’s Awards. He said: ‘The young talent that we have in the UK has never been stronger, and we believe it vital that the Chaîne supports the development of skills and techniques that help us ‘future-proof’ the hospitality industry as consumers — and of course, our own Chaîne members look for new inspiration and culinary experiences.

Our annual Young Professionals Awards have been developed to support rising young stars and give them a platform to showcase their skill and passion for the industry. However, it also goes beyond this; it gives them the chance to compete against their international peers — a hugely beneficial learning experience that will help allow them to maintain a profile on a global stage throughout their career and support their broader development.’

Philip thanked this year’s judges who selflessly give their time and expertise to the contest and included: Stephen Spurrier, Christelle Guibert, Nigel Wilkinson, Dimitri Mesnard, Chris Delalonde and Tanguy Martin as well as Philip Evins himself. Philip also thanked the sponsors who make it all possible, including headline partners Gaggenau and Bidfood, together with associate partners and prize donors Zwiesel, Food & Travel Magazine and Difference Coffee Company, along with supporting prize donors Bragard, Mosimanns, Wusthof, and Chateau Musar. He also thanked food giant Unilever for the use of their renowned development kitchens in Leatherhead.

For further details please contact: or Leslie Cuthbert, Echanson or Philip Evins

Piotr_Pietras_and_Christelle_Guibert.jpg
Piotr Pietras and Christelle Guibert.jpg