Clare Smyth named Bocuse d’Or UK Academy Global Chef Ambassador

The appointment follows her Notting Hill restaurant Core by Clare Smyth being awarded a third Michelin star earlier this week.​​

Last year, the Northern Ireland-born chef  was invited to be Honorary President at the Bocuse d’Or European selection in Tallinn, Estonia in October 2020.

The Bocuse d’Or UK Academy says the experience gave Smyth valuable insight into the contest and a desire to support Team UK’s ambitions to reach the podium.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis and its impact on hospitality, Bocuse d’Or Team UK took the decision not to compete for the first time in more than 30 years.​​

"The hospitality industry needs all the support it can get right now and there is no better global platform to showcase our culinary talent than the Bocuse d’Or," says Smyth.

"With the UK no longer in the EU, now is the time not only to celebrate our chefs but our fantastic suppliers too."

"I am delighted to accept the position of Global Chef Ambassador and I look forward to working with the committee to help Team UK reap the success that other countries have enjoyed."

Andreas Antona, chair of the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy added says that Smyth's third star asserts her position among the best chefs in the world.

"We feel privileged to have Clare on board as we work towards securing the sponsorship, fundraising and culinary expertise we need to compete at the highest level."

The Bocuse d’Or was founded in 1987 by the late Paul Bocuse. 

The competitors have five hours and 35 minutes, cooking in front of thousands of spectators to produce a plate and platter.

The world final usually takes place every second January in Lyon, the culinary capital of France but due to the ongoing crisis, the date has been delayed this year.

The UK has yet to reach the podium although it came close in 2013 when Adam Bennett and Kristian Curtis reached 4th place.