is set to return to ExCeL, London on 25-27 March 2024 where visitors will have the chance to meet and reconnect with over 1500 businesses created specifically for hotel, restaurant and catering professionals.

Like previous years, the event has several incredible features to explore including one of the UK’s most prestigious cooking competitions, - a programme of competitions across four different categories; Salon Display, Live Theatre, Skills Theatre and Sugarcraft. 

Previous winners in the International Salon Culinaire competitions have gone on to rank amongst the UK’s most celebrated and awarded chefs, both in the UK and internationally.

We’re pleased to announce that we are sponsoring the live theatre ‘’ competition alongside our friends at – a competition comprised of 8 adjacent work stations, where a competitor has 45 minutes to create a closed or an open pie, suitable to be served as a main course. A suitable garnish and sauce will need to be served with the dish, with the emphasis paid to the dish being suitable to serve in a pub environment. 

Judges will be looking for creativity and ease of service in a busy operation, therefore not over intricate garnishing and a realistic seasonal ingredient list giving the ability to sell at a competitive price. Competitors are also required to incorporate a product from our range, simply get in touch for samples. 

Essential Cuisine Business Development Manager, Gary Kilminster commented, “Essential Cuisine are delighted to be the main sponsor of the Pub Chef of Year 2024 competition! We have a long and proud association supporting many pub groups and chefs across the UK, and are very much looking forward to the competition in a few months!” Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Steve Munkley added, “As one of the largest growing sectors of the industry, chefs working in the pubs market are some of the most talented around. At Salon Culinaire we are looking for them to step forward, sign up and cook some of the amazing dishes they serve to our judges from their establishments. We can then award them a coveted medal either gold, silver or bronze and an amazing prize from our partners, Essential Cuisine”.

Aside from ‘Pub Chef of the Year’, there are a variety of to choose from, created for chefs of all levels, including themed competitions incorporating current food trends, competitions using specialist ingredients and, in some cases, using specially selected products from a host of sponsors to create innovative and inspiring dishes.

Places are limited so we encourage you to apply ahead of the deadline on Friday 23rd February 2024.

So, what are you waiting for? Could you be crowned ‘Pub Chef of the Year 2024’? To find out more about the competition, or to enter, .

Please note:

• No pre-made fillings will be allowed
• Pre-made pastry can be brought into the kitchen, however must NOT be rolled, shaped or pre-cooked
• All ingredients and service equipment on the day of competition will be the responsibility of the competitor.
• Competitors will need to provide a typed menu card, recipe sheet and allergen information for the judges to review along with detailing their chosen Essential Cuisine product(s).