The Southgate Hotel is onto a winner

The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel is pleased to announce that Samuel Billson, Chef de Partie at the hotel, has fought off over 70 applicants from around the world to win The Accor Professions Challenge in the cooking contest category.

Finalist from all over the world came to Paris for the challenge this week after competing in 2 initial heats earlier in 2013. Those competing had to take part in timed challenges for their fields, which included reception, table service, cooking or bartending. Sam, 24, had to create and cook a unique and personalized recipe using the contents of a basket of surprise ingredients to win the cooking contest.

Fiona Darde, General Manager at the Exeter hotel has said, “This year is the 11th year of the challenge and the Exeter Southgate Hotel couldn’t be prouder of Sam and his achievement. Sam is an asset to the team here at the Southgate and we are looking forward to seeing him develop his skills further in 2014”.