John Benson-Smith
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Having held the title Northern Chef of the Year and former regular judge on BBC TV`s Masterchef, John Benson-Smith was one of Loyd Grossman`s UK leading chefs involved in the on-going fight to improve food in the NHS.
A determined Yorkshire lad, John Benson-Smith has come along way over the last few years. After training in France with the famous Louis Outhier, John drew inspiration from working with other well-known chefs including Michael Quin, Peter Chandler and Nico Ladenis. Known as `Super Chef` at Manchester`s celebrity filled Victoria & Albert Hotel where he spent five years, John produced food in his signature style with imagination and flair. John was instrumental in putting Manchester on the important food map and as his efforts were recognised he achieved high accolades.
Returning to his roots in Yorkshire John opened Hazlewood Castle - a former monastery, in 1997. He says `Converting the Castle which had no electricity, gas, water or road was a challenge, it was a huge nightmare`. The Castle bacame a highly successful business combining luxury hotel, conference and banqueting centre, restaurant and a centre for cookery courses.
John left Hazlewood to begin a new project in Jersey
www.jerseyboathouse.com which opened in 2006, he is also a consultant to the Santa Ponsa Country Club in Palma, Spain. The sporting world attracted him and he is Consultant Executive Chef to Manchester City Football Club at their magnificent stadium.
John has acted as chef consultant to many major food manufacturers and producers. He has successfully endorsed and promoted a range of products that are appropriate to his lifestyle and his expertise; his inexhaustible energy and genuine love of the hospitality industry make him a valuable asset to many companies.
He regularly makes appearances in the media, writing for various newspapers and magazines. John is a much sought after cookery demonstrator and is a Master Chef of Great Britain. He appears at events such as the BBC`s Good Food Show and lives in Jersey with his talented and creative wife Alison who is highly involved in his many pursuits.
© Biography Celebrity Chefs UK 2010
