Hotel Cateys 2011 – Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)

Hotel Cateys 2011 - Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)
Sponsored by Matthew Clark

WINNER: Martyn Nail, executive chef, Claridge's, London

Two years after completing his training at Highbury College of Technology, in 1988 Martyn Nail joined Claridge's, starting as a third commis chef under maître chef des cuisines Marjan Lesnik. Over the years, working under both Lesnik and later John Williams, Nail rose through the ranks until he became executive chef in 2004.

Nail plays an active role in the industry as a member of the Academy of Culinary Arts and joint chair of the kitchen for the Annual Awards of Excellence. In addition, he is chef co-ordinator of the National Restaurateurs Dinner and is a member of the chefs team for the Square Mile Salute dinner at the Guild Hall in aid of Help for Heroes.

He is committed to mentoring young talent in the industry and a strong supporter of training and developing young chefs, played out in his involvement with the Chefs Adopt a School project from the Academy of Culinary Arts, competitions at Hotelympia and the Academy of Culinary Arts chefs apprentice scheme.

Under Nail's direction, Claridge's iconic afternoon tea won the British Tea Guild Best Afternoon Tea award in 2006 and again in 2011. Nail has worked tirelessly to make the Claridge's Foyer and Reading Room into one of London's best venues for lunch and dinner. He is also responsible for the prestigious banqueting and events at Claridge's, regularly hosting some of the leading figures in art, design, fashion and business. For his menus, Nail uses only the finest seasonal ingredients.

Michael Bonsor, food and beverage manager at the hotel and Nail's nominator, says: "Martyn is so passionate about his team and their development. There is clear internal promotion and progression that drives healthy competition."

What the judges said…

"London has many chefs, but only a few that are as talented as Martyn Nail. When you attend a banquet at Claridge's, you know you're in for an amazing experience. He is consistently pushing the boundaries."
Steve Munkley, executive chef, Royal Garden hotel, London

"Martyn Nail is one of the few chefs who still make everything in-house, and his contribution to the Academy of Culinary Arts and various charities is second to none."
Simon Young, executive chef, Jumeirah Carlton Tower

THE JUDGESKenny Atkinson, head chef, Rockliffe Hall
Henry Brosi, executive chef, the Dorchester
Shay Cooper, executive chef, the Bingham
Hywel Jones, executive chef, Lucknam Park hotel
Anthony Marshall, executive chef, London Hilton on Park Lane
Steve Munkley, executive chef, Royal Garden hotel, London
Simon Young, executive chef, Jumeirah Carlton Tower

THE SHORTLIST
Nigel Boschetti, Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel
Nigel Frost, Hilton London Metropole
Martyn Nail, Claridge's, London
Shaun Whatling, Berkeley Hotel, London

FORMER WINNERS
2010 Steve Munkley, Royal Garden hotel, London
2009 Simon Young, Jumeirah Carlton Tower
2008 Anthony Marshall, London Hilton on Park Lane
2007 Henry Brosi, the Dorchester