Wyboston Lakes Resort duo win major award at important catering competition

Marcello Grasso and Charlie Taylor, a chef and bar manager at Wyboston Lakes Resort, both from St Neots, have won the Chairman’s Award for the Best Team at the Cook and Serve Challenge 2026, an important events sector hospitality competition organised by Venues of Excellence.

The theme of this year’s event, held at Leicester College, was the art of Asian Fusion, challenging competitors to create dishes that harmoniously blend flavours, techniques, and traditions from across Asia — or between Asian and other world cuisines — while showcasing creativity, balance, and culinary excellence.

After many months of planning and practising, to win the award in the Masterchef style competition the team cooked and presented a menu, including a cocktail, for a VIP Guest that wowed the judges, beating catering teams from many venues across the UK.

In addition, Marcello won Best Junior Dessert, earning him a work experience opportunity at a Michelin starred restaurant in Birmingham.

Charlie Taylor said: “We were beyond shocked to receive our award. When our names were read out, our table erupted. Thank you to everyone who helped us along the way, particularly to Marcello, without him, none of this would have been possible.”

Katherine White, People and Culture Director of Wyboston Lakes Resort commented: “A chef judge mentioned to me that he was particularly impressed with how well our chefs worked with each other and supported each other. Congratulations to Marcello and Charlie on this fabulous success, we’re very proud of them.”