Masterchef: The Professionals - Re-Match winner Claire Hutchings to join female chef brigade at one-off Simpsons dinner

Simpsons in Edgbaston will be demonstrating girl power in the kitchen when its female chefs from past and present join forces for a one-off dinner on Thursday 24 January. 

The all female chef line-up is the brainchild of former Simpsons chef, Claire Hutchings. Claire reached the Masterchef Professional final in 2011 and took the top place in December’s MasterChef: The Professionals - Rematch. She began her career at Simpsons at the age of just 16. She now works as a private chef and consultant in Mallorca but returned for the filming of the one off special featuring five finalists from the popular competition.

Claire says,

“Simpsons is a very special place for me; it gave me the foundations of my career and I learnt from the best during my four years there. When I knew I’d be back in the UK, I contacted Luke to see whether he’d be interested in a collaboration and we came up with the idea of a dinner cooked by female chefs from the restaurant’s 25 year history. 

“I am so excited to be heading back in the kitchen and even more so that I’ll be with Georgina and Jackie, who I worked closely with when I first started at Simpsons.” 

For one night only, Claire will be joined by a talented line up of chefs, including Georgina Ward, Jacqueline Keenan, Angelina Adamo and Rachel Tokitsu. 

Georgina Ward (née Thorpe) won her first chef award at the age of 17 and it was at the Stratford Cook and Serve where she was spotted by Andreas. He invited her to spend a day at the restaurant and was so impressed by her cooking talents and work ethic that he offered here a full time job that day. Georgina is currently taking a break to take care of her young son and daughter. 

Jacqueline Keenan’s passion for chocolate knows no bounds and she regularly wowed diners with her creations during her time as pastry chef at Simpsons. Jacqueline now owns the award-winning artisan chocolate business La Fleur de Chocolat in Herefordshire. Simpsons is currently serving her bespoke chocolates to guests who have tea and coffee.

Angelina Adamo recently collected two silver medals in the Culinary World Cup, where she competed as part of the British Culinary Federation team. She is currently commis chef at Simpsons. 

Rachel Tokitsu was recently promoted to chef de partie at Simpsons and has become somewhat of a master baker on the team. She joined the team in 2017. 

The front of house operations will be in the safe hands of Natasha Shorthouse, a long standing member of the Simpsons team. Natasha left her role as restaurant manager, when she worked from 10am until mid-night Monday to Friday, to become a mother. She was offered a new position as office manager in 2016, that enabled her to reduce her hours and take care of her son.

Luke Tipping says,

“Andreas and I are extremely proud of the female chefs we’ve worked with and the fantastic careers they’ve carved out for them-selves since leaving us. They have all contributed a huge amount to our success over the years and I’m sure they will do us proud at this dinner. 

“As well as a fantastic experience for diners, it is an opportunity to celebrate female talent in hospitality and I hope it will inspire more women to consider it as a career.” 

The six course dinner will be priced at £80 per person and will include a welcome drink on arrival. 

Please email info@simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk or call 0121 454 3434 to book your table.