Andrew-Ditchfield
Andrew Ditchfield
Ditchfield is the pastry chef at the House of Commons where he has worked for 17 years. He started his career in the pastry section at L’Ortolan with John Burton-Race and then moved to work at Claridges Hotel in London.
He started at the House of Commons as a commis chef, then began to work his way up though the ranks to become pastry chef. During his time there, he gained a degree in culinary arts and took on numerous stages and development courses.
Ditchfield is the pastry chef for the British culinary team and has competed in the World Culinary Cup and Culinary Olympics helping the team win gold, silver and bronze medals. Competing involves a live service for 110-covers, with all mise-en-place done on the day, then presented on a static buffet table.
In 2013 Ditchfield was named the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Pastry Chef of the Year and in the same year he won an award from the British Culinary Federation for his contribution to the industry.
He became involved in the National Chef of the Year having been a commis for another competitor and is looking forward to the challenge.