Sodexo culinary director David Mulcahy has been awarded the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Order of Merit.

He was recognised last week at the Craft Guild of Chefs Honours and Awards, which also marked the Guild’s 50th year.

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 for a minimum of 20 years. It is awarded only in exceptional circumstances.

A driving force at the Craft Guild of Chefs for the past two decades, David heads up the Guild’s blue ribbon events such as National Chef of the Year, Young National Chef of the Year, The Craft Guild Awards, FutureChef and the Norwegian Seafood Challenge.

David, who joined Sodexo in 2006, acts as chairman of judges at Hotelympia and has competed to represent the United Kingdom internationally, winning gold at events including the Culinary World Cup and Culinary Olympics.

Sodexo chefs Stephan Wylie, Lea Eastman Thompson and Steve Jarman were also recognised at last week’s event at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, named in the Team of the Year for their participation in the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary World Cup Team.

Steve Scuffell, Vice Presidents’ Council chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “David pushed the boundaries during his term as chairman and has continued to promote the Guild ethics and philosophy. He is often the public face of the association, always professional and ever popular.

“Within Sodexo he has put Salon Culinaire at the forefront of competitions within the foodservice sector, continually driving chef development and championing the culinary arts.”

David Mulcahy, culinary director at Sodexo, said: “It’s very humbling to be recognised in this way. My focus has always been on challenging chefs to produce their best and I’m lucky to be in an industry with so many talented and passionate people.

“Well done to my colleagues at Sodexo Stephan Wylie, Lea Eastman Thompson and Steve Jarman on collecting the Team of the Year award.”

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