Best Western � the UK�s largest group of independently owned hotels is delighted to announce that Kevin Le Page, Senior Chef de Partie of The four-star Best Western Beardmore Conference Hotel, Clydebank beat stiff competition from around the UK to be presented with the Best Young Chef award in the Booker Prize for Excellence 2003.

A �cook-off�, staged in London and judged by Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, chef/patron of Petrus and The Savoy Grill and Mark Sargeant head chef of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge�s, found Kevin, presented with a �black box� of secret ingredients from which he had two hours to create and present his dishes for judging. Kevin�s winning creations were � pork fillet wrapped in beetroot and carrot, topped with deep fried fennel, followed by a dessert of roasted peaches with praline and cinnamon ice cream with a melon fondant.

As Best Young Chef, Kevin at just 21 years old has gained the opportunity of working alongside Gordon Ramsay for a week in one of his top London restaurants and also receives a cheque for �1,000. Kevin was presented with the award by Gordon Ramsay and Mike Bennett, Sales Director of Nestle Food Services, who were sponsors of �Best Young Chef�.

Commenting on his win, Kevin said, �This is incredible. It means such a lot to me because I feel it is recognition for all the hard work I have put in. I�ve been lucky to learn so much and to have gained a great deal of hands-on experience at the Beardmore Conference Hotel and I am sure this put me in good stead to win this award. I am really looking forward to my week with Gordon Ramsay. Obviously being from Glasgow, where I work and live, he has been a huge inspiration.�

On the standards of the competition Gordon Ramsay commented, �To be shortlisted in the Best Young Chef category from a large number of quality entries is a very significant achievement. The standard of entrants and that of the three finalists was extremely high and even better than last year. Kevin deserves credit for his organisation, creativity and presentation which were outstanding, and I hope Kevin�s win will lead him onto great things.�

Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, the Booker Prize for Excellence was created by Booker, Britain�s largest cash and carry company, to recognise and reward the UK�s most outstanding caterers and independent retailers. It has become one of the industry�s most highly respected accolades, covering everything from Best Young Chef to Best Local Store.

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Press contact: Alison Shield or Claire Trickett Best Western PR & communications department Tel: 01904 695558/695426 Fax: 01904 695489 Email: alison.shield@bestwestern.co.uk or claire.trickett@bestwestern.co.uk

Notes to Editors

� Photograph available of Kevin displaying some of his award winning food � Best Western UK is part of the world�s largest global brand of over 4,000 hotels in 80 countries. � Best Western provides national and international marketing, sales and reservations for its member hotels, along with purchasing, training and IT support. Details of all hotels are available on www.bestwestern.co.uk � Best Western has over 300 hotels across the UK, offering unrivalled choice for conference and meetings, corporate accommodation and leisure facilities. Best Western has more hotel restaurants with AA rosettes and more swimming pools than any other hotel group in the UK.