Nominees from across the foodservice industry gathered for the awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London hotel on 13 October.
There were three winners from Amadeus, with Craig Hancox named General Manager of the Year, John Rushton-Jones winning Trainee Chef of the Year, and Valentine Rey taking home the Rising Star Award.
General Manager of the Year
Craig Hancox, Amadeus General Manager, ICC Birmingham
Craig continues to utilise his experience in new concepts and innovation to drive a successful financial performance for Amadeus.
The team hit revenue records like no other at the 2022 Conservative Party Conference, catering for over 12,000 delegates and 456 fringe meetings over three days with a unique catering order at each event. He led the team to achieve the highest catering revenue recorded at any Amadeus venue ever in one week.
Rising Star
Valentine Rey, Catering Manager, NEC
Valentine was one of Amadeus’ University College Birmingham hospitality students taken on initially for a 12-month placement between years two and three of her university course. It was evident from the start, that Valentine would soon be team-leading, thanks to her calm, confident manner in dealing with colleagues and customers.
She was hungry to be developed to support all the Amadeus management functions and processes. She quickly became a very reliable and flexible team member, displaying accountability and control of her areas of responsibility.
Trainee Chef of the Year
John Rushton-Jones, Commis Chef, The Vox
At only 25, John is still at the beginning stages of his career and enjoys working closely with his team, absorbing skills and learning from Executive Chef at The Vox Aaron Johnson-Waters, and Head Chef Michael Jeyes.
John has succeeded in key achievements on his apprentice journey this year, including mastering his basic culinary skills, including ingredient preparation and cooking techniques. This has led to an increase in responsibilities in the kitchen, such as food preparation and expert plating.
Given his progress, it’s no surprise John is keen to maximise on his ambition, already assessing his career path to his next step of chef de partie, senior chef, then Head Chef.
Congratulations team!
