Hayfield chef shortlisted for ‘Pub Restaurant Chef Award’

A chef at the Pack Horse in Hayfield has been shortlisted by the Craft Guild of Chefs for their 2024 ‘Pub Restaurant Chef Award’. 

Luke Payne has been the owner and chef at the Pack Horse since 2016, having previously worked for a large pub group. Luke has a degree in drama but he said he: “fell in love with cooking at university and knew upon graduation it was my only chance to get a job in a kitchen and get a job washing dishes.”

After applying for a job and getting it, ten weeks later Luke had the keys for the pub and began to develop the menu. 

Luke is a self taught chef, he commented: “Achieving a place inside the top 20 in the top 50 gastropubs two years running, three years in the Michelin Guide, and lots of happy guests, it's nice to reflect and see just how much has been achieved, The Craft Guild of chefs nomination just adds to this.”

Often referred to as the chefs Oscars, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards celebrates the entire industry and the shortlist is selected by those within the guild. Luke added: "It's lovely to have the recognition of my peers and people I have looked up to for a long time throughout my career.” 

“It came as a shock to be shortlisted, and the other two candidates for pub restaurant chef in Chris Mapp and Dan Smith are both phenomenal experienced chefs who deserve all the credit they get. 

I'm just proud to be representing the High Peak and it's evolving food scene on a national stage. 

The future looks bright as the pub goes from strength to strength but there's certainly a little consolidation this year.” 

Luke has also released first book titled, “The Pack Horse - A Journey Through the Seasons.” which looks at the hardships facing the hospitality industry at the moment. 

Going forward, Luke plans to open a second business, he said: “I'd love to play a part in helping rejuvenate the town centre with another fantastic eatery if the right opportunity came up, and give the people of Glossop more reasons to stay local and not feel the need to travel to Manchester for a good night out.”