Emma Wombwell is crowned winner of Wirral Chefs Shine

Nov 12 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Emma Wombwell

EMMA Wombwell is your Wirral Chefs Shine winner!

The 24-year-old head chef at the Cowshed Restaurant at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Raby picked up the honour - and the title of Wirral Chef of the Year - at the Wirral Tourism Awards for Excellence at Thornton Hall Hotel on Thursday.

Emma was the only female chef to make it to the finals this year and is the first woman to triumph in the competition.

She beat off strong competition from last year’s winner Colin Parry, of La Paz, Dave Williams of the Portrait House, Robert Bryson from Sheldrakes, Thornton Hall Hotel’s Jonathan Burgess and Andy Boyd from the Village Hotel.

It was a night of double celebrations for the team at the Cowshed, who also won the award for Most Professional Waiting on Team.

Speaking to the News after the ceremony, a delighted Emma said: “To be the only girl in the competition and then to win it is incredible.

“It’s so difficult for women in this industry and this award shows the strength of female chefs and that we can do it.

“I’ve worked very hard to get where I am and be the best I can be but there is always room for improvement.”

Emma’s winning menu included Mallard breast with Neston damson sauce, toffee apple custard slice and a beetroot and smoked eel salad - reflecting her philosophy that diners should be encouraged to test their tastebuds with new foods.

She added: “Everyone worked so hard, both in the kitchen and the front of house team. I couldn’t have done it without them and the support of my partner and sous chef Mike.”

Wirral Chefs Shine 2008 was supported by Wirral Council, organisers of the Wirral Tourism Awards for Excellence, The Mersey Partnership, Liverpool Community College and Wirral Met College.