A Bedwas-based chef has scooped a UK wide culinary award, recognising his contribution to training and mentoring other chefs.
Colin Gray, who runs Capital Cuisine on Bedwas Industrial Estate, won the award for Best Contract Catering Chef Mentor at the inaugural Chef Mentor Awards on Tuesday, 17 July.
The award ceremony, held at the Celtic Manor Resort, recognises chefs who have taken time in their careers to train, nurture and develop individuals and teams across the UK hospitality and catering industry.
Mr Gray, who is also vice president of the Culinary Association of Wales, a Worldchefs judge and former member of Culinary Team Wales, said he was shocked to receive the award.
He said: “I didn’t expect to win the award. I have been involved in mentoring chefs over the years without expecting recognition.
“To be honoured in this way is very humbling and hopefully it will inspire other Welsh chefs to become mentors.”
Capital Cuisine supplies the hospitality industry with restaurant quality pâtés, terrines, gravadlax, pesto and chutneys, as well as catering for weddings, receptions and buffets.
The family run business was chosen as a partner of the Welsh National Assembly’s True Taste of Wales flagship event ‘BLAS’, which showcases Welsh food and drink at major festivals and events throughout Wales and the West of England.
Cyrus Todiwala OBE, chair of judges, said: “We’d like to congratulate all the winners in what was an incredibly difficult competition to judge. Every single one of the chefs who were nominated have given so much to the industry and have helped us continue to be one of the most significant contributors to the UK economy.
“All the mentors deserve recognition and we’d like to express our sincere thanks for all they do. Our industry is built on the talent, hard work and total commitment to development of many of our winners tonight.”