Tony Leck Chef

….to the world of catering whilst also studying a traditional two year City & Guilds catering course at Kendal College of Further Education.

Upon completion of these studies a move toward the London area was called in order to gain further experience, whilst working the usual shifts, additional studies at Thames Valley University under the tutorial of Swiss Chef Pátissiér, Jean Huber encouraged Tony to specialise in this area of ‘Cheffing.’

With over twenty years of experience in Guernsey, Tony is pleased to have built many strong relationships with local suppliers and can offer Truly Local Cuisine. Menus have a very strong bias toward using Local Produce wherever possible.

As a keen competitor, Tony (T.L.C.) has entered many Culinary Competitions with resounding success; these competitions he believes are paramount to the extra learning curve and valued experience they bring with them. Having competed not only in Guernsey and Jersey, but also Britain, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Germany and several other countries.

Tony believes in encouraging others to participate in such events and is always willing to support younger Chefs; either through guidance or as an organiser of events either to promote his profession in general or as a charitable event.

“Competitions are important; not only do they teach you self discipline and esteem but also you always learn a little something from your fellow competitors, even team competitions build good working relationships and team values.”

Such team events may include Tony captaining the Guernsey team to success in the ‘Five Nations Menu Challenge’ in 2000.

This resulted in the award of ‘Guernsey Ambassador of the Year.’ “Success was highly satisfying for the whole team as in the previous bi-annual event Guernsey came second, only 1 point behind Scotland and proves the quality and professionalism of local caterers.”

In addition Tony has also attended many prestigious international culinary events in a judging capacity, which he claims is not always that easy, a bit like a referee at a football match….you cannot always please all the competitors!

Tony is also proud to be associated with the Guernsey Football Association, having been assigned as their official Chef for the Island Games in 2009, catering for the Island Football squad in Alland, Sweden and again at the 2011 Island Games held in the Isle of Wight. Tony also caters for the newly formed, yet highly succesful Guernsey Football Club.

During 2010 Tony received the Good Food Guernsey Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the Good Food Guernsey Awards in addition to claiming ‘Most Creative Menu’ and ‘Most Money Raised for Charity.’

Most recently in both 2011 and for 2012, Tony’s Pavilion has yet again received the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for offering Good Food and Quality Meals at Reasonable Prices, the only establishment in the Channel Islands to hold this award.

Tony has recently had his first cookery book published. A collection of over 100 regional recipes and 224 pages available in hardback. Compiled together with stunning images from photographer Ally Clark, this book is a must have for anyone with either an interest in Channel Island cookery of family connections with the Island.  Further information is available by contacting enquiries@thepavilion.co.gg