Elior scoop seven awards at LACA’s Finishing Touches culinary salon

The team from Sheffield were awarded recognition in every class they entered, picking up three gold medals, three silver medals, one bronze medal and five certificates of merit. In addition, they were honoured with two best in class awards for their delectable chocolate truffles and incredible ‘floral bouquet’ of sugar craft.

Among the big hits at the two-day event were Kelly Beaumont’s (cook supervisor, Wharncliffe Primary School) cupcakes and James Wright’s (High Green Primary School) biscuits.

Kelly Holden, operations director at Taylor Shaw, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with the number of awards we received. It’s an incredible result considering that, except for one member of the team, this is the first time any of the other candidates have entered. It really demonstrates the high standards we are able to deliver for baking within our schools.”

Judged by the Craft Guild of Chefs, LACA’s Finishing Touches culinary salon showcases craft skills among chefs.

The judging panel included Steve Munkley of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Nick Wort (House of Commons), Matthew Shropshall (University College Birmingham), Lesley Herbert, Paul Taylor (Hilton Birmingham Metropole), Nick Hollands (former Royal Garden Hotel) and Leanne Oliver-Pulford (Finishing Touches 2017 Best in Show winner).

Munkley said: “This event never fails to amaze me with the quality of the entries and the skill of the competitors. As ever, you left the judges with a very difficult task.”

Also celebrating wins for their baking talents were Rachel Kirk (area manager), Sarah Doane (area manager), Samantha Andrews (catering assistant, Pipworth Community Primary School) and Joana Gaspar (cook supervisor, Springfield Primary School).

About Elior: Elior operates high profile catering contracts across the B&I, health & care home, defence, education, stadia and heritage sectors. It provides customers with a bespoke offer that focuses on great food, drink and customer service and couples it with the benefits that a large company brings. Elior UK is part of Elior Group which operates worldwide with annual revenues of €6,422 million.