Brian Turner has held the role for almost 30 years and says that - with Team UK once again through to the world final - he feels the time was right to pass on the mantle.
UK candidate Tom Phillips from Restaurant Story and commis chef Nathan Lane will compete against 23 countries in the Bocuse d’Or World Final on 29-30 January 2019 in Lyon.
“Since I very proudly took on the honour of representing the UK in the Bocuse d’Or, the competition has grown to be a truly global event,” says Turner. “It has been an incredible journey developing wonderful gastronomic relationships with many of the world’s top chefs over so many years. I am extremely grateful to all who have represented the UK and have been part of our team. Since setting up the Academy in October 2017, we have grown to become a stronger team and we have a very worthy successor in Simon Rogan.”
“Simon is a fantastic chef and there is a great deal of respect for what he does within the UK and beyond. I wish him every success in the role and look forward to being there to support Tom and Nathan in the final next January.”
In recognition of his years of involvement, Turner will stay on the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy as Honorary Life Vice-President.
Rogan is among the UK’s most respected chefs with an empire that includes L’Enclume and Rogan and Co in Cartmel and London restaurants Aulis and Roganic.
“I am delighted and humbled to be taking on such a prestigious role,” he says. “On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Brian for his dedication over the past 29 years which has undoubtedly helped cement the UK’s standing within the Bocuse d’Or family.”