Yorkshire Chef In Running For National Award

Chef Tom Heywood, who co-owns Pignut in Helmsley, is through to the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year award.

This is the 31-year-old’s first time entering any competition, and he is ‘incredibly happy’ to have made it this far.

Pignut, in Hemsley, is a reimagined fine dining restaurant committed to sustainability, nestled in the Yorkshire Moors with chef Tom also being shortlisted for the Sustainability Excellence Award hosted by the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.

Tom Heywood opened the popular restaurant with his partner, Larissa Cook, who has an extensive knowledge and passion for organic wines.

“It’s amazing to get through to the semi-finals. I’m really excited and looking forward to the next stages”, said Tom.

The pair met while working at Rattle Owl, where Larissa Cook was the restaurant manager, and since have opened this intimate fine dining spot, Pignut in Helmsley.

Pignut in Helmsley aims to foster community and create a dining experience, utilizing high-quality local produce. Their menu includes an appetizing eight-course tasting menu served from Wednesday to Saturday, with an optional expert wine pairing. Highlights include pork with Otterburn magalista, black pudding and foraged wild garlic.

“It means a lot to myself but also to the business and it allows me to showcase what we do, it would be amazing to be recognized among the previous winners who are some of the best chefs in the UK”, Tom said.

Gordon Ramsey is one of the many previous winners of this prestigious competition. The ten finalists will be announced on Monday, July 29 and the National Chef Of The Year cook-offs will commence on Tuesday, October 8 at the University of West London.

For more information on Pignut in Helmsley and to find out what makes them so special, visit their website.

YFG customers can experience chef Tom’s tasting menu with a complimentary glass of champagne.

12 Bridge St, Helmsley, York YO62 5DX – 01439 770955 | Get Directions

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