At the 2017 Liverpool Hospitality Association Awards, Helen Wickenden, chef de partie at the Titanic Hotel in the city’s north docklands, was named Young Chef Employee of the Year. Tony McDonough reports

When Helen Wickenden came to Liverpool to visit a friend in June she had no idea she would fall in love with the city, make a big career move and win a top award.

At the 2017 Liverpool Hospitality Assocation (LHA) Awards, the 22-year-old chef de partie at the Titanic Hotel was named Young Chef Employee of the Year.

She was one of 12 winners at the LHA Awards which was held in the Rum Warehouse at the same hotel.

Helen only joined the Titanic, located in Liverpool’s north docklands, two months ago and has already made a big impact.

Originally from Kent, she has previously worked at The Savoy Hotel in London and The Hind’s Head – owned by world renowned chef Heston Blumenthal.

“I just love Liverpool’s warmth and how welcoming it is. The Titanic team is so supportive and our head chef Frank is one of the best chefs and nicest people I’ve ever worked for,” said Helen.

“I’d actually really love for Heston to come to Liverpool and try my food – I think he’d be proud.”

The awards evening, hosted by Radio City 2’s Rossie, saw the entire hospitality industry coming together to celebrate Liverpool’s exceptional talent, with 350 people turning out for the event.

The Mayor’s Award was won by director of conference & exhibition sales, ACC Liverpool, Kerrin MacPhie, and she was joined on stage by city mayor Joe Anderson, who sponsored the award.

Kerrin has travelled worldwide and worked tirelessly to drive awareness and interest in Liverpool and currently heads up the business element of  ACC Liverpool.

This year’s LHA Awards once again supported both Woodlands Hospice and Hospitality Action, with both charities being the key beneficiaries of the event, just as they were in 2016.

The full list of winners from the 12 different categories as follows:

• Employee of the Year – Rising Star, sponsored by Know Hospitality: Matthew Griffin – brasserie manager, Malmaison Liverpool
• Employee of the Year – Front of House, sponsored by Local Living Liverpool: Daniel Healey, front of house supervisor, The Liner Hotel
• Employee of the Year – Heart of House, sponsored by PixelTree Media & Design: Chris Worsfold, accounts assistant, Richmond Hotel
• Employee of the Year – Unsung Hero, sponsored by Brabners: Heather Rudge, financial controller, Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport
• Employee of the Year – Young Chef, sponsored by Robinsons Brewery: Helen Wickenden, chef de partie, Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
• Employees of the Year – Community Champions, sponsored by Robinsons Brewery: Enda Rylands, general manager, Ramada Plaza Southport.
• Sales & Revenue Person of the Year, sponsored by Fisher AV: Sarah Johnson, sales manager, Hilton Liverpool.
• Employees of the Year – Top Team, sponsored by ReggieRooms: Nights Team – Pullman Liverpool.
• Independent Restaurant Winner: Vincent Maggiote, Cucina Vincenzo Liverpool.
• Independent Bar Winner: John Ennis, Salt Dog Slims, Liverpool.
• Judges’ Award: Emma Crawford, wedding & event sales, Richmond Hotel
• Mayor’s Award, sponsored by the Liverpool City Mayor: Kerrin MacPhie, director of conference & exhibition sales, ACC Liverpool.