Young Chester chef wins hotel’s employee of the year award

Jan 6 2011 by Gil Lightfoot, Chester Chronicle

A CHEF at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa who was promoted through seven ranks from commis chef to senior sous chef in just three years has been made Employee of the Year.

Steven Worth, 24, of Chester, operates The Westminster Suite kitchens preparing wedding breakfasts, working lunches for executives using the boardroom and creating fine dining experiences for hotel regulars.

His meteoric rise through the ranks began when he started work at the five star hotel, with its Michelin-starred Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor restaurant, in February 2007.

His dedication, eye for detail and can-do attitude saw him climb the career ladder rapidly to his current position of senior sous chef.

Steven has worked his way up from one of the most junior ranks in the kitchen to one of the most senior, making him the most rapidly promoted chef at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa in at least 20 years.

Now Steven’s hard work has been rewarded at the hotel’s Employee of the Year awards which recognise exemplary employees who go the extra mile.

As Employee of the Year, Steven has won a three night break, for two people, from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, inclusive of return travel, breakfast and dinner each day.

Steven said: “I was so pleased just to be nominated for, never mind win. I can’t believe it because I’m just doing my job.

“I’m probably going to take a golfing holiday as my prize and take one of my friends along. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Steven is originally from Widnes and attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, Widnes.

Executive chef Simon Radley said: “Steven brings the same ethos to the kitchens of The Westminster Suite as we have in our main kitchen – where excellence comes as standard.

“He might be putting on a buffet with mini fish and chips and noodle boxes for 200 people one day and then creating a bespoke gourmet dining event the next. All of this is prepared to the same impeccable standard.

“Steven is very self-motivated and takes great pride in what he does.

Managing director Jonathan Slater presented the awards at a champagne reception attended by dozens of staff including the other award nominees – purchase ledger clerk Paula Porter, assistant restaurant manager Natasha Scovell and assistant events manager Will Gater.

Paula, Natasha and Will each won a two-night UK break for two from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World or Pride of Britain Hotels collections, inclusive of breakfast and dinner.