Belbroughton chef leads England team to medal success (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Belbroughton chef leads England team to medal success

7:50am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A BELBROUGHTON chef has been recognised after scooping a top prize in an international competition.

AARON Darnley, chef de partie at The Queens in Belbroughton, has won a bronze medal leading the junior England team from University College Birmingham (UCB), in the IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany.

The culinary challenge, held every four years, took place in Erfurt and is regarded as one of the biggest culinary exhibitions and competitions in the world.

The 23-year-old’s teammates included UCB students April Setchley, Tom Campbell, Jake Sheldon, Richard Harvey and Brandon Smith.

The team of six battled against chefs from 27 other countries in the competition, and was required to cook a two-course menu for 100 people.

After creating a menu of goats curd mousse with apple jelly and horseradish followed by poached plaice with potted shrimps, the young England team were rewarded with the competition’s bronze medal.

Aaron has already participated at three other major worldwide chefs’ competitions and in 2010 was awarded the Johnnie Borra Memorial Award by the British Culinary Federation - presented to the most promising young chef.

He started his career at the Birmingham College of Food, and moved to work under the tutorage of head chef at The Queens, Andy Waters.

Mr Waters said: “It is fantastic for Aaron and his team to be recognised at one of the most respected international culinary challenges.

“It makes us very proud.”