An exceptional chef from Longstanton has won a coveted industry ‘Oscar’ from the most respected association dedicated to culinary excellence in the UK.

Brian Eastment who is an Executive Development Chef at Major International based at Higham Ferrers, Northants last night walked away with National Development Chef of the Year at the glittering Craft Guild of Chefs Awards at London Hilton, Park Lane.

Brian, aged 65, beat runners up Alan Coxons from Coxons Kitchens and Phill Rimmer from Appetitio to the accolade, earned through passion and skill in his work.

Nick Vadis, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs – the most respected association dedicated to culinary excellence in the UK - said: The awards go from strength to strength. “We had a phenomenal number of entries this year, which really goes to highlight the passion and skills in all sectors of our industry.

“Judging this year was particularly hard and the decisions were well debated by our stellar judging panels. I would like to thank all our nominees and winners for their significant contribution to the industry and a big well done to all our 2009 champions.”

More than 600 people from across the industry and beyond, including the Craft Guild of Chefs’ royal patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex, flocked to see 13 finalists pick up a ‘Chef’s Oscar’, as they are known in the industry, plus a special award for an overall industry high-flyer.

Now in their 16th year, the Awards cover all aspects of the chef profession, from education to pubs and cost sector to banqueting, and nominees do not have to be a member of the Guild.