The Order of Merit is the highest award given by the Vice Presidents’ Council for meritorious and outstanding service in furthering the aims and objectives of the Craft Guild of Chefs over a long period of time (minimum 25 years). This award is only given in exceptional circumstances and the winner was chief executive Andrew Green.

Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “We all know Andrew’s contribution, but it without his steady hands at head office, and all the strong ties he has made since becoming chief executive, I truly believe the Guild is in a better place.”

The Chairman’s Award can be given to a member or non-member who has given ‘extraordinary service’ to the Craft Guild of Chefs. The award went to wellness ambassador Andy Aston who has always been a strong supporter of the Guild.

Andy has given this 100% since being in role and has grown a great support team behind him to help drive this forward, we even have events in Scotland to support our industry up and down the country. He asks for very little and goes above and beyond to ensure we have a place to go if anyone needs a chat or an ear to listen.

Other winners included:

Rising Stars: Awarded to young people, members or non-members, who have been recognised as potential stars of the future. Winners: Nathan Cooper, Jake Mills, Chloe Williamson, Georgia Hackett, Tara Pisotti, Paige Hill, Hoi Yan Tan and Emily Simpkins.

National Hero: Awarded to a member who has worked tirelessly over a long period of time to promote the Guild and the Guild’s ethics. Winner: Terry O’Riordan.

Diploma for Support: Awarded to non-members for their continued support and assistance in the promotion of the aims and objectives of the Craft Guild of Chefs. Winner: Wild Farmed

Bronze Award: Awarded to a member who is actively involved in the work of the Craft Guild of Chefs, nationally or locally. Winners: Anthony Gascoigne, Eleanor De Maria, Nick Smith, Ben Christopherson, Andy Cluskey and Steve Carter.

Silver Award: Awarded to a member who is actively involved in the work of the Craft Guild of Chefs, nationally or locally. Winners: Francois Ginther and Phil Dixon.

Gold Award: Awarded for long and outstanding service to the Craft Guild of Chefs. The nominee must have held an organising position on any of the Craft Guild’s committees (minimum 10 years membership). Winners: Douglas Jordan and Mathew Shropshall.

Honorary Membership: Awarded to non-members who have rendered outstanding service to the Craft Guild of Chefs. Winners: Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Kenny Atkinson, Steve Hobbs, Karen Winter and Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt.

Educational Partnership Award: Westminster Kingsway College and University of West London.

Company Award: Presented to Business Partners who have shown significant support and involvement with the Craft Guild of Chefs over the past year. Winners: Waitrose, Maldon Salt, NOWAH, Russums, HIT Training, Churchill China, Unilever Food Solutions, Riso Gallo and Evolve Hospitality Group. 

50th Year Membership: Awarded to members for their outstanding and continued membership and support of The Craft Guild of Chefs. Winners: John Rippe and Geoff Acott.

Chairman’s Shield: Awarded to a Catering training organisation, nominated by the National Chairperson, who have clearly demonstrated qualities and outcomes that mark them out for this award. Winner: Eastleigh College.

President’s Trophy: This is awarded to any establishment for outstanding Food and Service. This award is nominated by the Chairperson of the Vice Presidents Council. Winner: Fortnum and Mason.

Special Award: Awarded by the Vice Presidents’ Council in recognition of achievements made in promoting the aims and objectives of the Craft Guild of Chefs. Winner: Troy Smith.