Daniel Clifford Announced as Guest Judge for Hospitality Exchange
Taking centre stage at this year’s Hospitality Exchange will be two-star Michelin chef Daniel Clifford, the chef patron of Midsummer House in Cambridge. He will join the star line-up at this year’s event, which will continue to celebrate the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink.
Regarded as one of the most inventive chefs in the UK, Daniel Clifford has an exceptional pedigree having trained at some of the best restaurants in the UK and France. In addition to his time with Jean Bardet, who Clifford cites as his biggest influence, he also spent time with Simon Gueller at Rascasse and Marco Pierre White at The Box Tree. His story in Midsummer House began in 1998 and he was awarded his first Michelin star in 2002, followed by a second in 2005. The restaurant continues to win acclaim holding 5 AA Rosettes, a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award and is noted as one of the best restaurants in the UK by the Waitrose Good Food Guide.
His extensive and wide-ranging experience has contributed to his internationally acclaimed cuisine, hailed as modern British cooking underpinned by an unmistakably French style. His panache in the kitchen saw him win Great British Menu in 2012 and 2013, latterly progressing to the role of judge. His stature in the industry was acknowledged in 2015 when he was named the AA Chef’s Chef of the year. He continues to make regular appearances on Masterchef – The Professionals, Saturday Kitchen and Burger Bar to Gourmet Star. In 2016, a member of his talented bridge at Midsummer House will represent Northern Ireland in the 2016 Great British Menu competition.
In addition to the acclaimed Midsummer House, Daniel opened a new gastro pub venture, the Flitch of Bacon located in Little Dunmow, Essex in 2015. Daniel’s commitment to local ingredients is well known and commenting on his upcoming local engagement he says:
“I am delighted to be taking part in Hospitality Exchange 2016 and visiting Northern Ireland. It will be a great experience for myself and the brigade at Midsummer House. I look forward to being introduced to some great Northern Ireland produce and celebrating the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink.”
Hospitality Exchange takes place on the 18th and 19th October 2016. As part of the event, Daniel Clifford will create a gourmet dinner and take part in a chef panel of demonstrators.
