Member Article

Young chef cooks his way to the top

One of the North East’s most prestigious cook-offs has been won by Richard Wheatley, a young chef at Cafe 21, Newcastle.

Richard, 23, recently competed against six other chefs in the Chef of the Year competition run by the North East Culinary Trade Association.

The 23-year-old from Swalwell, joined Cafe 21, part of Terry Laybourne’s 21 Hospitality Group, seven years ago, after training at Newcastle College.

During the regional competition, Richard turned up the heat in the purpose-built kitchen cooking a three course meal for four people while watched over by rows of eager food fans and judges including celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala.

Richard said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be recognised in such a prestigious competition. It was really challenging to cook while being observed by a large audience and some of the region’s top chefs. It was a great experience and I am very grateful to Café 21 for getting me there.”

Since joining 21 Hospitality Group, Richard has worked at some of the other group restaurants that include Café 21 at Fenwick, Caffe Vivo and The Broad Chare in Newcastle, and Bistro 21, Durham.

Nick Shottel, operations director at 21 Hospitality Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of Richard. He is a perfect example why we invest in young people and bring juniors and apprentices from various backgrounds to our kitchens and teach them how to become top chefs.”

The NECTA@CIVIC Salon Culinaire, which took place at Newcastle Civic Centre, also featured a sugarcraft display raising funds for charity.

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