Hotelympia 2012 Video - by Joanna Wood

Yesterday I went along with the Hospitality Media team to Excel in London's Docklands. Why? Because the biennial hospitality show, Hotelympia, is in residence there until Thursday: and a trade show like this is brilliant for catching up with people - and for ferreting out what's happening in the industry. Suppliers, operators, movers and shakers all pop up in some shape or form. On the exhibitors front there's everything any budding restaurateur or hotelier would need to check out: linen, kitchen kit, tableware, seating, food and beverage, environmental 'green machines'. But I'll let you into a secret - I love the culinary competition theatre the best. There's always a buzz: famous chefs judging, amazing food being cooked under extreme pressure, enthusiastic audiences. Everything for a great bit of drama.

Jason Atherton talking to Joanna

Under pressure! BCF competition - Live Stage

When I wended my way over, the British Culinary Federation's National Chef of the Year competition was in full swing. Hosting and commentating on it for the watching multitude was a certain Brian Turner - while among the judges were:

Hotelympia 2012 is Buzzing!

Hotelympia was buzzing Monday. The Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine were working hard, putting this week's publication together.  But for some reason they kept getting distracted with  visits from all those celebrity chefs, John Campbell, (materclass video) and  Jason Atherton etc. This gave a flavour of real time publishing.

Chris Russell - Group Art Editor @ The Caterer and Hotelkeeper

Here we're working with Food Journalist, Joanna Wood and catching up with Simon Young of Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jason Atherton of Pollen Street Social talking about his Singapore venture and Charvet.

Simon Young - Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Jason Atherton

Rob Kirby of Lexington looking on at 'La Parade des Chefs!  Team Jumeirah were on . . .

Rob Kirby - 'La Parade des Chefs'

Alain Roux at the Live Theatre - British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year

Was funny  . . .  Ashley Palmer-Watts of Dinner

Continuing along the chef theme: La Parade des Chefs saw the Team Jumeirah working hard with various judges in the back round ie : Rob Kirby of Lexington and there's Simon Young of Jumeirah, Carlton Tower.

The Staff Canteen - Videos

We've been filming with The Staff Canteen for their 'video features' on their website and new App. We kick off with Simon Hulstone of The Elephant in Torquay, followed by Jeff Galvin of La Chapelle.  Simon Hulstone talks about his new menu at his Michelin Star restaurant and discusses the term 'local' and the challenges of sourcing.  Also his work with British Airways together with Heston Blumenthal.





At La Chapelle in the City we filmed Jeff Galvin being interviewed about the formation of his two restaurants with Chris and also him producing a Lasagne of Dorset Crab with wild musshroom veloute prepared using Bonnet ranges.