Team UK, led by chef Adam Bennett, will head out to Lyon in France this weekend to compete in the world final next Tuesday (27 January), but is hoping to raise £25k beforehand to help put it in the best position for this year's competition and those in the future.
Back in 2013 Bennett and commis chef Krissie Curtis reached fourth place, the highest position for the UK in the competition's history.
This year, Bennett, commis chef Josh Allen and team supporters are hoping that the crowdfunding campaign, hosted on Indigogo, will help them raise vital cash to help the UK move up to the top three.
Team president Brian Turner said: "Despite taking part in the Bocuse d’Or since its inception in 1987, we’ve yet to reach the podium which is disappointing given the amount of talent in the UK right now. We’re putting our hopes in a crowdfunding campaign to help raise awareness and the funds required to increase our chances of success not just for this final but for competitions to come."
Financial support
Money raised through the campaign will be used to finance a number of different things, from ingredients and travel and accommodation for the coach and the commis to investing in the future UK team.
Those investing in the team will be rewarded with a number of different 'perks' - from personalised 'thank you' notes from the team (£5) to lunch for two at Bennett's pub The Cross in Kenilworth (£200).
On its page, the crowdfunding campaign, set up in collaboration with Orama TV, makes an impassioned plea for support to help make a 'huge difference to the UK gastronomy scene'.
"It would be the first time the UK has won the competition and a chance for the country to be recognised as a formidable force on the cookery stage world wide. Would you like the chance to say you are responsible for kickstarting the beginning of a reputation for world class food right here in the UK?"
The crowdfunding campaign can be found at http://igg.me/at/BocusedOrUK and will run until 1 March.