Hilton Manchester Deansgate’s superstar chefs shine on the world stage

Manchester has long been a city that prides itself on culinary excellence. From the bustling Northern Quarter to the refined dining experiences of Spinningfields, the city is no stranger to gastronomic talent.

With chefs like Tom Barnes celebrating his recently minted Michelin star and Simon Martin’s Mana pushing the envelope, Manchester is a city where boundaries are constantly being extended.

But high above the city, in the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, a group of talented chefs have been making waves on the world stage.

The Hilton Tastemakers competition, an elite contest that brings together the finest chefs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, saw nearly 400 applicants battle for a place in the final 20. 

Hilton Tastemakers competition

Among those who rose to take on the challenge were Piotr Siedlaczek, Gaia Bartolini, Caroline Lerus-Roulez, and Brandon Tainsh, who proudly represented Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

And they won big too! Piotr and Gaia’s team won the competition overall and Gaia won most valued food tastemaker out of all the contestants across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. An incredible achievement.

Their journey was one of skill, perseverance, and camaraderie, as they competed not just for themselves, not just for their Hilton, but for the city’s reputation on the world stage. 

From Hilton Manchester Deansgate to the world

“It was an incredibly proud moment,” said Gaia, Junior Sous Chef at Hilton Manchester Deansgate. “Even though we were competing against each other, we were all supporting one another and representing Manchester together.”

The competition was a team event where chefs from different backgrounds were thrown together to create a symphony of flavours. With only days to prepare and a strict time limit to deliver, it was a high-pressure experience like no other.

“The pressure was intense! There was a timer, and when it went off, we had 10 seconds to get on stage. That sound is something I’ll never forget. I’m used to working in a kitchen but with judges and people watching, the pressure was really on,” recalled Brandon. 

Despite the fierce competition, a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect emerged among the chefs. They were not just competitors; they were ambassadors of their craft, their hotels, and their cities from all corners of the world. 

“At the end of the day, we were all representing Hilton. We helped each other where we could, ensuring that no one was left behind. Everyone was so helpful and we ended up feeling a real part of a tight-knit community,” said Caroline, Head Pastry Chef.

The challenge of cooking in a new kitchen

Cooking at a high level is already a meticulous, detail-oriented endeavour. Doing so in an unfamiliar kitchen, with different equipment and limited resources, is another challenge altogether.

“Even when you know your dish inside out, adapting to a new environment and sourcing equipment can be a challenge,” said Gaia. “It takes you out of your comfort zone, and that’s where the real test begins.”

Not all the kitchen staff spoke English, making communication tricky. But the Hilton Manchester Deansgate team quickly realised that respect and relationship-building were key to success. 

“We made an effort to be respectful and build relationships with the local team,” Piotr, Executive Sous Chef, shared. “One of the kitchen helpers even showed me a hidden garden where we could get fresh bay leaves for plating. That moment really stood out—it showed how much we all wanted to help each other create something special.”

An unforgettable experience in Istanbul

Istanbul, a city known for its incredible culinary traditions and fantastic street food, provided the perfect backdrop for such a prestigious competition. The chefs immersed themselves in the food culture, sampling bold flavours and unique textures.

“We went out for dinner and tried some incredible dishes,” Caroline recalled. “The flavours were so intense and unique—it was an eye-opening experience.”

Caroline fondly remembered one particularly adventurous meal. “I had king prawns in a delicious sauce—though I can’t remember the name! And then there was the lamb intestine sandwich. I kept going on and on about it, and eventually, we just had to try it. It was amazing.”

From dining experiences to bustling markets, the team soaked in every bit of Istanbul’s culinary energy. Their time at the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar not only introduced them to new ingredients but also reaffirmed their passion for food and its ability to bring people together.

Proudly representing Manchester

What does this achievement mean for Manchester? Beyond personal victories, the competition reinforced the city’s growing reputation as a top draw dining destination. The Hilton Manchester Deansgate team didn’t just showcase their talent; they represented an entire city that thrives on innovation, creativity, and hospitality.

“I felt very proud of being part of this hotel,” Gaia said. “Even though we were competing against each other, I was so proud of what every single person was doing during the competition. We made Manchester proud with our dishes.”

Manchester’s food scene continues to grow, and having local chefs succeed on a global platform only adds to the city’s reputation. The Hilton Manchester Deansgate team’s achievement is a testament to the world-class culinary talent that resides in the city.

Where to eat in Manchester? The Chefs’ recommendations

Naturally, being world-class chefs, the team has their favourite spots to eat in Manchester. When asked for recommendations, their answers came quickly.

“When people ask where to eat in Manchester, I always recommend The Sparrows,” Gaia said. “It’s one of my favourite spots.”

Piotr had another go-to. “I’d also suggest Podium, our restaurant here at Hilton Manchester Deansgate! I’m not biased at all. And we have a great relationship with Holy Grain Sourdough—a fantastic bakery.”

Caroline suggested Maki & Ramen for some of the best Ramen in the city, and Brandon suggested Pho Cue, a Vietnamese staple for lovers of the cuisine. 

A legacy of excellence at Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Although the Hilton tastemakers was a competition, it was a great opportunity for growth, challenge, and triumph. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and respect for the craft. For Piotr, Gaia, Caroline, and Brandon, it was a journey that will stay with them forever. They were after all the only UK-based chefs representing at the international competition, a fact that the team can be hugely proud of. 

“We weren’t just competing for ourselves,” Piotr reflected. “We were competing for our hotel, our city, and for the pride of representing Manchester on a global stage. It was a lot of pressure but we had to do it. And looking back, it was actually really fun. It’s something we can all be proud of! ”

Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs in Manchester and beyond. It proves that with dedication, talent, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, the possibilities are endless.

Manchester’s culinary scene has never been more exciting, and thanks to the Hilton Manchester Deansgate team, the city now has another reason to celebrate. Their journey reminds us that food is more than just sustenance—it’s passion, culture, and above all, a way to bring people together.

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