Two local chefs, Thomas Parker and Ryan Dare, have returned from Denmark after representing the UK at the Europe Copper Skillet Final earlier last month.

Although the local chefs just missed out on top honours, this international recognition still speaks to the quality of chefs on our doorstep at Warwick University.

Thomas, a Junior Chef De Partie, and Ryan, a Chef De Partie, both at Warwick Conferences (based at the university), were invited to participate at the competition, held during Europe Knowledge Festival, after they were crowned Junior Chef and Senior Chef of the Year at the International Association of Conference Centres' (IACC) Copper Skillet competition.

A global community of conference professionals, delivering innovative and exceptional meeting experiences, the IACC's Copper Skillet competitions highlight the important contribution chefs and catering teams make to the industry.

During the Danish final, Thomas and Ryan were tasked with creating two conference-based dishes from a mystery box of ingredients.

They each had 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes cooking time, with the added pressure of simultaneously being interviewed in front of a live studio audience.

Additional challenges included cooking on two camping stoves with limited utensils to hand, and not having access to running water – only a two-litre bottle of water was provided, making it even more difficult to cook vegetables and sauces.

Speaking of his experience at the international final, Thomas said: "Participating in this competition has probably been the most challenging thing I've done in my career so far but it was a wonderful experience that gave me the opportunity to witness and taste truly extraordinary food.

"Competing against such strong talent from across Europe was incredible and really pushed me to do my very best and make the UK proud, and while I didn't take our first place this year, I can't wait to put myself to the test in 2024 and hopefully come back victorious."

Clive Singleton, head of conferences and event catering at Warwick Conferences, said: "Tom and Ryan performed brilliantly at the recent Europe Copper Skillet competition and should hold their heads high.

"They have both demonstrated how passionate and skilled they are at creating exciting menus and cooking delicious food and we couldn't be prouder of how they represented themselves and Warwick Conferences."