Saunton chef scoops top award

Jamie Coleman, head chef at Saunton Sands Hotel, has been named South West Chef of the Year for 2016 at an awards ceremony at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Monday October 24.

Chefs were required to create a three-course menu made up of compulsory elements; loin of venison, whole brill and all other ingredients from a mystery basket. The menus were then judged by a prestigious panel of 12 judges including Michael Caines MBE and Michael Wignall.

Jamie’s career has included working for Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin starred restaurant in Claridge’s and Michael Caines at double Michelin starred Gidleigh Park. He has worked at Saunton Sands Hotel since 2015 and has gained the hotel an AA Rosette for his contemporary approach to creating menus using local seasonal produce.

‘I am overwhelmed by this honour which has been awarded to me by people I have a great deal of respect for within the industry. I am very proud to work with the ethos of making the highest quality dishes with the fabulous produce we have here in the South West.’ Said Jamie.

Peter Brend, Hotel Director at Saunton Sands Hotel said ‘We could not be more proud of Jamie, he is a credit to the hotel.’