HRC catches up with some of the Best in Class winners from International Salon Culinaire 2022, to learn more about their experience of the competition and the impact it had on their cheffing career.

Like last year's winners, the Live Theatre Best in Class winners 2023 will have the opportunity to take part in a trip to Venice and Padua in Italy courtesy of Unox, the official combi oven supplier for Salon Culinaire. 

Read about the 2022 Italy trip here. 

Tim Fisher, Pastry Chef, Chartwells Independent 

"Competing at Salon Culinaire at HRC has had a hugely positive impact on my career. To win medals and awards generously donated by the sponsors has been wonderful but the knowledge gained, the great people I have met and the opportunities that opened up for me in my career has been the true reward of competing for over 20 years.

"To win awards at this competition you must practise and sacrifice hours of your time to improve your skills which in turn make you a better chef which in turn will improve your knowledge and make you more valuable for employers. The rewards and positives of competing are huge, I encourage everyone to compete and to support others who enter." 

Rick Owens, Sous Chef, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 

“Winning Best in Class at International Salon Culinaire has changed my life, I have gained lots of opportunities from the competition. The competition has opened so many doors for me to develop my career, and it is an amazing experience to be a part of.” 

Nicola Harper, Head Chef, Compass Group 

“Winning best in class at the International Salon Culinaire is probably one of the best feelings I have ever felt within my career. For me it’s not about competing against other chefs, you are competing with yourself. International Salon Culinaire for me has developed my skills, my confidence and also it gives you an amazing buzz in and around the kitchen.” 

Conor Bird, Senior Chef de Partie, Adjournment at House of Commons

For me, regardless of winning or losing competitions at the International Salon Culinaire you will gain a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge. It has helped me become more confident and organised as a chef and also allowed me to meet some amazing mentors who have helped me further my career in so many ways. I have progressed through the years and gained best in class which gives me a great sense of achievement and drive to keep going and improve." 

Lydia Uglow, Pastry Chef, The Newt 

“Being involved in the Salon Culinaire ‘Dessert of the Year’ competition pushed me to do so many new things, I learned so many new skills and techniques. Winning Best in Class really was an incredible experience, it was so much fun and was such an achievement, I would encourage everyone to enter and to be a part of it.” 

Find out more about all the competitions taking place as part of this year's event at internationalsalonculinaire.co.uk. Entries close on Friday 17 February.