SWINDON-based chef, Platini Mascarenhas, has been named Heritage Chef of the Year 2016 by catering and hospitality provider BaxterStorey.

Launched in 2015 as a regional contest in the south, the Heritage Chef competition was created by BaxterStorey to celebrate the knowledge and innovation of its skilled chefs.

It was extended this year to include chefs from across the UK and Ireland and received a high number of applications across three categories, Pastry Chef of the Year, Chef of the Year and Chef Manager of the Year.

Platini is sous chef for BaxterStorey in Swindon which runs the in-house restaurant at Nationwide Building Society’s head office.

"His winning dish – a combination of rechado spiced lamb, moong dal, potato and pea cake, gobi kempu and tamarind sauce used vegetables sourced from local Wiltshire and Oxfordshire markets.

Following a series of demanding regional heats, Platini was one of 14 finalists who were challenged to create two dishes in only 90 minutes. These were judged by an expert panel including renowned chefs Monica Galetti, Mark Sargeant and 2013’s National Chef of the Year, Hayden Groves.

Platini was presented with his award by special guest and world famous chef Pierre Koffmann.

Having started at the Nationwide location ten years ago as kitchen porter, Platini has risen through the ranks to his current role.

He said: “I am passionate about using fresh, seasonal produce. Many of the ingredients in my competition dish were sourced using local suppliers."

Monica Galetti, BaxterStorey chef consultant and Heritage Chef of the Year judge, said: “A competition is all about pushing the boundaries and showing skills to their best. It has been wonderful to see the development of the chefs, there were some great innovative dishes.”