From the Dover Express, 6 July 2000.

NATURAL born griller Ian McBurnie has beaten off top opposition to win a national 'cook-off' competition.

Ian, head chef at Pickwicks in London Road, Temple Ewell, was awarded first place in the final of the competition, run by Wayside Inns.

He was crowned 'Wayside Inn Chef of the Year' and was rewarded with a luxury weekend for two in a four-star hotel in the wine growing region of Burgundy, France.

It was no half-baked competition, entrants were asked to present imaginative, themed dishes for the Wayside Inn spring menu.

Four regional winners went to a cook-off final in the company's research and development kitchens in Luton where they were 'grilled' by a panel of judges.

Ian, 29, said: "I haven't decided who to take to France with me but I've had plenty of offers."