TOP West Devon chef Peter Gorton has had an extra reason to celebrate this festive season ? he has just joined the select few in his profession to be made a Fellow of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.
Peter, who has now been at the stunning Horn of Plenty restaurant at Gulworthy for nearly 14 years, joins the likes of famous celebrity chefs like Nick Nairn and Shaun Hill, in becoming a Fellow.
The title acknowledges master chefs who are recognised as being at the top of their trade and who are known for making outstanding contributions of excellence to the industry.
Peter said: ?I think there are only ten or twelve in the whole of Britain, so I was very pleased. They invited me up to Glasgow for a special lunch, but unfortunately I was so busy I couldn?t go!?
And Peter is starting 2004 with a very special new dining
experience.
He said: ?We have been doing the Financial Times lunches for the last seven years ? and we?ve actually won the best lunch in Great Britain each year. We?ve raised a lot of money for charity during that time, but I didn?t know where it was actually going.
?This year we are breaking away from the FT and we are going to do these special lunches to raise money for Children?s Hospice South West.?
Peter said he recently visited the hospice and was ?amazed? at the work carried out by the staff there.
?I just couldn?t believe the place. They are marvellous, not just for the children but for the families. It?s the sort of place that brings you down to earth with a bump. It makes you really think: ?What have I got to moan about??,? he said.
The lunches will be available at the Horn of Plenty for a month, from January 19, and will be available at the bargain price of £10.
Peter said: ?They really are excellent value and I hope they will raise a lot for the hospice. It?s all about giving something back to the community and also saying thank you to the local people who have supported me here over the last 14 years.?
Peter said 2004 is likely to be a busy year for him. He is just about to launch his own personal range of stainless steel plans, Peter Gorton chefs? knives are soon to follow and later in the year, his new book is due to hit the book stands.
?I?m trying to do a lot more within the community this year too ? I?m coming out of hiding!? said Peter.
To book a special charity lunch at the Horn of Plenty, call 01822 832528.
l See next week?s Times for a very special New Year competition, in which you could win a set of Peter Gorton?s brand new stainless steel pans, valued at £130 and which will be available exclusively at Lawsons.