28-year-old Karol Płoch from Rzeszów has been named 2024 Roux Scholar after a fierce day of competition at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.
Płoch, a sous chef at Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at the Corinthia London in Whitehall, expressed that being named scholar was „amazing” and the „biggest achievement” of his career so far.
This year’s contest, celebrating its 40th year, saw six chefs compete to be the 40th Roux Scholar and follow in the footsteps of industry greats such as Andrew Fairlie, Sat Bains, and Mark Birchall. It was the first time the final had been held at the Waterside Inn, which was opened by the scholarship’s co-founders Michel Sr and Albert Roux in 1972. The competition is now chaired by the founders’ sons, Alain and Michel.
Karol poached the trout in a champagne and oyster sauce with some blanched asparagus.
Karol Ploch competed against chefs such as Harrison Brockington from Gather Restaurant, Ben Miller from Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, Jordan Randerson from The Elephant in Torquay, Liam Smith from Restaurant Pine in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Evelina Stripeikyte from The Glenturret Lalique in Crieff.
The winner’s announcement took place at an exclusive awards dinner at Coworth Park, where Roux Scholar 2012 Adam Smith MCA serves as the Executive Chef. The event was attended by a select audience, including the finalists’ guests, sponsors, and judges.
The victorious chef received £6,000, with an additional £6,000 awarded if they remained with their current employer for 15 months. They were given the choice between two-star prizes: an invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for up to two months or a bespoke training program.
Karol told the British Poles: „I am immensely happy about winning such a prestigious competition. I have been in England for only 5 years. Such success gives me many opportunities for development. The next year will be very intense. I will try to gain as many new culinary experiences and inspirations as possible.”
Good luck!
Photos: Instagram @karolploch
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
