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Competitions and awards

In 1975 the Company reviewed its prize schemes with the object of establishing a common policy and standardisation of awards. As the training of apprentices in the craft of cookery had been part of the Company’s original functions, it was decided that awards should be directed at encouraging young people in their training. The Cooks’ Company’s current prizes and awards include an award for a young chef at a London club, organised by the Club Secretary and Management Association.

An award for a young chef at a London club, organised by the Club Secretary and Management Association.

The Cooks’ Company is proud to be a founder member of the City and Guilds of London Institute. An award is given to students obtaining the highest results in City and Guilds NVQ Catering and Hospitality.

A series of awards are given to young chefs from each of the armed services. These include a Combined Services competition culminating in awards for the Young Chef of the Year for each of the services, from which an overall winner for Combined Services Young Chef of the Year is chosen. There is a separate competition for RAF Young and Senior Chef of the year. An award is also made annually to the Outstanding Military Caterer

Students compete for the Harold Taylor Trophy and associated prize on an annual basis in their final year of the Higher National Diploma at Bournemouth University . The award is made to the group of students who in the opinion of the judges, including at least one member from the Company, produce the best ‘new food product’.

The winners of all these awards are invited to a presentation at an annual Prizewinners lunch given by the Court in February.

 

 

 

In the 13th Century apprentices had to serve a period of seven years before qualifying to become a freeman. Life was strict and they were forbidden to wear hats, rings, jewellery, swords or daggers. If the apprentice broke the rules he was punished by his Master, for a second transgression he was publicly whipped at the Hall of his Company.