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Great Britain - Catey Awards

Bailliage of Great Britain
London, July 4, 2017

Three Professional members receive awards
" With much appreciation to Anna Dymond, Event Coordinator at The Caterer "

At a spectacular awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, the individuals, teams and businesses shaping the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom were recognised by awards across more than 18 categories.

Since their inception in 1984, the “Cateys” have cast a spotlight on the industry’s highest flyers, strongest performers and hottest brands. They have become a byword for quality, class and achievement; the awards that everybody wants to win. No wonder then that the industry refers to them as its “Oscars Night”.

The three Professional members of the Bailliage of Great Britain to receive awards were:

- Public Sector Award: Vic Laws (Conseiller Culinaire)

- Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award: Craig Bancroft (Maître Hôtelier)

- Special Award: John Williams (Maître Rôtisseur)

Peers describe Vic Laws as a titan of the industry. He has a long list of accomplishments over his career. His CV includes everything from working in a school kitchen to being Managing Director of Airport Services at Grandmet.

Using this wealth of experience he set up AVL Consulting in 1986. In 2011, for his services to the catering industry, Vic was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. He has continued to make his mark in the community, particularly through his involvement with “The Clink” charity.

Craig Bancroft trained at five-star properties including the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris and Grosvenor House in London. In 1983 he joined Northcote Manor Hotel (in Lancashire) as its General Manager. One of his first moves was to bring Nigel Haworth on board as Head Chef. Since then not only did they buy the business but they have developed the establishment to be a multi-award-winning international player on the hospitality scene.

Craig is known for his food knowledge, but he won his reputation for pairing Northcote’s cuisine with wines from an award-wining list. Bancroft has also spread the pair’s knowledge through Ribble Valley Inns, the pub group they both launched in 2004.

Judged by the senior team of The Caterer, with nominations from the Cateys’ judging panels, the Special Award made to Chef John Williams was well deserved.

He has been working at the pinnacle of the industry for over 40 years. During that period, the industry legend has become known for his support of the young as much as for his exquisite creations. His relentless support of the industry in the pursuit of advancement is astonishing; his journey from apprentice chef to the colossal influence he has today is remarkable.

As Executive Chairman of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, he plays a critical role in the body’s desire to train and develop the next generation. As Executive Chef of The Ritz he presides over one of the most famous dining rooms in the world.

With much appreciation to Anna Dymond, Event Coordinator at The Caterer, for providing the press material enabling this article to be prepared.

Photos courtesy of The Caterer/Steve Dunlop Photography - (c) All rights reserved

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