De Vere, a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels, is celebrating a double victory after two of its chefs were named winners at the UK heat of the renowned IACC Copper Skillet competition.
Chef Ben Parris, Executive Head Chef at De Vere Horsley Estate, claimed first place in the senior category, while Jon Luca Keane, Junior Sous Chef at De Vere Beaumont Estate, won the junior category. Both chefs will now represent the UK in the European finals in Sweden this October, with hopes of reaching the global final in New York, USA, in April 2026.
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- Executive Head Chef Ben Parris
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- Junior Sous Chef Jon Luca Keane
The prestigious IACC Copper Skillet competition
The IACC Copper Skilletย is one of the most respected culinary competitions in the hospitality and conference sector, showcasing the creativity, skill, and versatility of chefs working in leading conference venues worldwide. This yearโs UK heat took place at The Willows Training Centre, with 16 chefsย competing under pressure to impress a panel of esteemed judges.
Meet the judges of the UK heat of the Copper Skillet Competition
The challenge required each chef to design and cook a main course dish in just 30 minutes, using a pantry of staples and a selection of mystery ingredients, with the rule that at least two of the five surprise proteins had to be incorporated. Dishes were assessed on originality, technique, presentation, flavour balance, hygiene standards, and minimal food waste.
Judges included
- Ed Marsh, Head Chef at the five-star Manor House Country Hotel
- Stuart McLeod, Vice President of the British Culinary Federation
- Graham Crump, Vice President of the British Culinary Federation, and the lead judge, at Salon Culinaire HRC Excel London.
Speaking after his win, Executive Chef, Ben Parrisย at De Vere Horsley Estate, commented: โThis competition really highlights the skill needed to work in a fast-paced conference environment. Iโm honoured to have won and look forward to competing at the next stage in Sweden.โ
Junior Sous Chef, Chef Jon Luca Keane at De Vere Beaumont Estate, added: โIt was a tough but incredible experience. The time pressure and the unknown ingredients made it a real test of creativity and adaptability. Iโm thrilled to be representing the UK and De Vere at the European finals.โ
The European finals in Sweden will bring together the top chefs from across the region, with winners progressing to the global showdown in New York, where they will compete against champions from the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
About De Vere
De Vere is a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels and event destinations with market-leading conference facilities. Across the portfolio of properties located around London, the southeast and the Cotswolds, the iconic country estate hotels have recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
De Vere Reserve guest rooms are located in some of the most notable country estates in Britain. Offering the very best of De Vere, the Reserve guest rooms offer guests luxury amenities along with five-star service. De Vere Reserve guest rooms are available to book at De Vere Beaumont Estate, De Vere Wokefield Estate, De Vere Latimer Estate, De Vere Tortworth Court, De Vere Cranage Estate and De Vere Horsley Estate. De Vere Estate ย bedrooms are situated in the heart of the hotels which are accessible to all conference, meeting and event spaces. De Vere Estate bedrooms are available at De Vere Beaumont Estate, De Vere Wokefield Estate, De Vere Latimer Estate, De Vere Tortworth Court, De Vere Horsley Estate and De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
