The IKA/Culinary Olympics is the oldest, largest and most diverse international culinary arts competition in the world.

Nick Vadis, culinary director at Compass Group UK & Ireland and Team Coach said: “I am extremely proud of all our chefs who either supported, or competed, in the Culinary Olympics.

“To have such fantastic representation across the different categories on the world stage is a credit to our business. The dedication and time they spend honing their skills is evident in the medal haul - they are all true ambassadors for their craft. A huge well done to everyone that took part.”

Sixteen Compass chefs travelled to Germany and they collectively brought home one gold, 18 silver and seven bronze medals.

Nicola Harper, group executive chef within ESS (Wales and West Midlands) won gold as part of the Craft Guild of Chefs UK team for Individual Culinary Arts.

She commented: “Winning my first gold at such a high-level international competition is amazing - I am still over the moon and can’t wait to see what the future holds with these inspirational chefs. It was such an honour to represent the craft, Compass and the Craft Guild of Chefs.”