Head Chef, Paul Murton, and Bartender, Scott Mumaw, hit the jackpot as part of Grosvenor Casinos’ first Chef and Bartender of the Year competition
Grosvenor Casinos has crowned its Chef and Bartender of the Year after serving up its first UK wide competition to find the aces in its pack.
The UK’s largest casino operator launched its national search to name its most talented Chef and Bartender with entrants from across its 52 venues across the country.
50-year-old Head Chef and father of five, Paul Murton, from Sheffield staked his claim as winner of the food category after wowing the judge’s taste buds with his Yorkshire inspired cuisine.
Using key local ingredients, Paul hit the jackpot with his twist on a local beef and onion favourite in which braised brisket was served with fresh onions cooked four ways all topped off with a classic Yorkshire pudding.
Whilst 31-year-old Bartender, Scott Mumaw, from Aberdeen, mixed his way to the top of the drink entries, shaking off the competition with his own mixology twist on a cocktail classic.
Having only taken up the front of house role just 12 months ago, Scott’s take of a Long Island Iced Tea called Tastes Like Money swapped out classic rum and cola profiles for Midori and lemonade, packing a punch with zesty lime flavourings and an exuberant green colour.
George Robertson, Operations Manager at Grosvenor Casinos, said:
“It’s been a challenging time for the hospitality industry over the last few years which is why we wanted to run a national competition to recognise the incredible talents of our casino Chefs and Bartenders.
Paul and Scott are passionate and highly skilled at what they do, wowing the judges with their creativity and flavours. We were thrilled to award them Grosvenor’s Chef and Bartender of the Year and I’m sure their success will inspire their colleagues and future talent to get into a hospitality as a rewarding career.”
Paul has been Head Chef of Grosvenor Casino Sheffield for more than a decade, he said:
“I’m very happy to have been recognised as Grosvenor Casinos Chef of the Year and really appreciate the nod of approval from my peers. We take huge pride in the quality food and drink that we serve our guests in Sheffield and I’m pleased to be bringing home the award for all the team’s efforts and creativity in the kitchen.
My dish was inspired by my love for Yorkshire and by using fresh quality produce from local suppliers, I was able to bring my idea of beef and onion with a twist to life in an exciting way. It’s so pleasing that my time and effort to interpret a popular dish was enjoyed by the judges.”
It is the first time the UK’s largest casino operator has held its Chef and Bartender of the Year competition which was open to all Chefs and Bar staff to enter from across its 52 venues. Each Chef and Bartender was given a brief to create a dish or cocktail that could be enjoyed by guests at their local casino venue using a list of set ingredients.
Scott who works at Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen, said:
“To be recognised as Grosvenor Casinos Bartender of the Year is thrilling news and has taken me completely by surprise. I’ve only been bartending for a year but have really enjoyed taking up a front of house role, serving our guests in Aberdeen a variety of different cocktails – so it’s been fun showing off my skills.
I experimented with different drink options but landed on my take on a Long Island Iced Tea by mixing up the colour and flavour profiles. The result is a refreshing drink infused with a shot of zesty lime. The team were a big help in taste testing but there’s no doubt that success behind the bar means I’m on mixology duties for all the family this Christmas.”
To find out more information about careers at Grosvenor Casinos, visit its recruitment website https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/TheRankGroup/grosvenor-casino and please gamble responsibly: www.begambleaware.org
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For further information please contact:
Andrew Boocock, Stripe Communications
Office: 07855795403
E-mail: andrew.boocock@stripecommunications.com
Notes to Editors
About Grosvenor Casinos
Grosvenor Casinos is part of The Rank Group Plc and is the largest UK casino operator with 52 casinos nationwide.
Grosvenor Casinos is the home of poker where players can expect the best in venue experience with games such as blackjack, roulette and slots, sports entertainment and hospitality including quality food and drinks menus. Players can also enjoy the latest games online at grosvenorcasinos.com.
Grosvenor Casinos and The Rank Group Plc is committed to the promotion of responsible gaming practices with a range of tools and support services available. For more details on The Rank Group Plc’s policies on responsible gambling please visit www.rank.com/responsibility.
Strictly over-18s only. Please bet responsibly. www.begambleaware.org
