October 2024
Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards
- About us
- News and Insights
- Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards

By Sean Madden
Share post:Read time: approx 1 mins
A ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ graduate picked up the 'Best Newcomer' accolade at Birmingham Hospitality Association's first annual awards.
The association's inaugural ceremony took place in the recently renovated Grand Ballroom of the Birmingham Grand Hotel, marking a memorable evening for the city’s hospitality sector.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, renowned for its long-standing tradition of providing qualifications in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts, proudly sponsored the 'Rising Star' category, with chef lecturer and head of the college of food Lewis Walker presenting the award to the winner.
Methus Sawangseang, who graduated from the Professional Chef foundation degree course in 2023, scooped the award following his work at the restaurant of The Belfry Hotel & Resort.Â
His culinary journey with the University began in 2019 when he enrolled on Level 2 Professional Cookery, before advancing onto the Level 3 course.
Methus expressed his surprise upon receiving the award, saying: "I wasn’t expecting this at all, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful to my team for nominating me."
Lewis Walker was full of enthusiasm for the event, and praise for his former student: “The inaugural awards for the Birmingham Hospitality Association were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the exciting, diverse, and vibrant work taking place in the industry. It was great to support new emerging talent, and I'm especially proud to see Methus scoop his award," he said.
"The evening was a celebration of the immense talent in the city's hospitality scene, and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is honoured to be part of this journey, recognising and nurturing the future stars of the industry."
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is a leading provider of specialist training for the food and hospitality industries, with students learning in our award-winning training restaurant and industry-standard kitchen facilities.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ our courses within our Department of Hospitality and TourismÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýBirmingham College of Food.ÌýÌý
Check out our latest news stories
INWED 2026: amplifying a national call for inclusion, belonging and skills innovation
National event highlighs inclusion, belonging and skills innovation in STEM.
Read more
Employer insight: LiveWell Health on the impact of UCB student placements
Steve Hartill discusses why placements are so valuable for students and employers.
Read more
University celebrates double national awards success for Graduate Re-Tune partnership
Regional collaboration reinforces the University’s commitment to collaborative employability initiatives.
Read more
Graduate whose placement "changed my life" puts Birmingham restaurant in UK's best
A ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ graduate whose course placement in America "changed my life" has helped Soi…
Read more
Specialist dysphagia training now integrated within Commis Chef Apprenticeship to add…
Enhanced apprenticeship programme addresses the demand for specialist skills.
Read more
University's MBA first in region to achieve ISEP sustainability accreditation
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½'s Master of Business Administration (MBA) has achieved accreditation from the Insti…
Read more