College lecturer shortlisted in Britain’s top chef awards

A chef who has helped launched the careers of talented cooks for more than two decades at Loughborough College was shortlisted in the country’s top chef awards.

Darren Creed, Curriculum Manager for hospitality and Loughborough College’s head chef, was nominated in the Chef Lecturer of the Year category at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2022 – considered the Oscars of the industry.

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognise the exceptional talent across the whole of the industry – from apprentice and young chefs just starting out to chefs who are established in their careers in hospitality, pubs and restaurants.

Darren said: “It was a real honour to be nominated. It’s a real shock. I’m really pleased. To be in that group is brilliant. I’m a bit lost for words.

“On one hand it shows that hard work pays off, but it’s never been about me. It has always been about the students and seeing them develop and enjoy success, especially when they enter national competitions.

“But this was a lovely piece of news. I’ve never been shortlisted in the Craft Guild Awards before so I was really honoured.”

Darren has worked at Loughborough College since 1998 and has helped train and launch the careers of hundreds of chefs over the years. 

, Principal & CEO at Loughborough College, said: “We’re delighted for Darren. He is one of the hardest working, dedicated and passionate professionals you could wish to work with and creates great experiences and opportunities for our learners every single day."

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards were held on 9th June at Magazine London and awards included a Special Award to the chef who, above all others, has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.