Bocuse d'Or Team UK comes fourth in European heats

Bocuse d'Or Team UK has come in fourth place in the European heats and secured a place in the world final in 2025.

The chefs, led by candidate Tom Phillips of two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story in London, competed against 19 other national teams in Trondheim, Norway, this week.

Sebastian Holberg Svendsgaard of Denmark was the winning candidate, while Sweden's Gustav Leonhardt won silver and Håvard Werkland from Norway took bronze.

The UK also won a prize for Best Theme on Plate.

Team UK is comprised of Phillips, president Clare Smyth, coach Ian Musgrave of the Ritz London and commis chef Harry van Lierop from the Ledbury.

During the heat, each team had five hours and 35 minutes to prepare the ‘theme on plate' and the ‘theme on platter'. The ‘theme on plate' had to feature the reindeer meat of Røros, a flagship product of the Sami culture, along with aquavit, Norway's national spirit.

For the ‘theme on platter', the candidates cooked Skrei, a migratory Northern European cod, Frøya scallops with two garnishes served on the platter and a third garnish served on the side. The chefs also had to include at least one ingredient from their country as a tribute to their culinary heritage.

Smyth, who judged the platters on day one and two of the competition, said: "The general standard was exceptionally high, and I believe that Europe is the toughest selection in the world.

"I'm very proud of how Tom and Harry conducted themselves, they worked immaculately and very cleanly and showcased the British identify in their own style."

Phillips said: "There are always ways we can do better but overall we've done ourselves proud. We showcased what we've been working towards and that we are pushing for the podium in Lyon."

The Skrei and garnishes were presented on a platter constructed from 14 individual leaves of white Corian, designed and manufactured by Seymourpowell.

The main dish at the centre of the platter was surrounded by rock samphire-shaped brass filigree, which was triggered by a clockwork mechanism.

Team UK will now compete for a place on the podium at the world final in Lyon on 26-27 January 2025.

The six other national teams going through to the final are France, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Slovakia and Finland.