A winning recipe for Peterborough's Lee Clarke as he scoops industry award
Much-loved and missed Peterborough restaurateur Lee Clarke has landed himself a highly regarded industry award in nearby Rutland.
Winnng the Caterer or Chef of the Year award at the Famtastic Awards 2026 is a proud moment for Executive Head Chef Lee and the kitchen team behind the Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa's Blossoms Restaurant, where relaxed lakeside dining gives guests a chance to enjoy seasonal food in one of the county’s most distinctive settings on the shores of Rutland Water.
The Famtastic Awards recognise people and businesses across the hospitality and events industry, with winners selected through a judging process involving industry buyers, suppliers and agents.
For Lee, who made his name in the city centre between 2011 and 2020, with fine dining venues Clarkes and Prevost, the recognition comes alongside his work to develop a distinctive food identity at Rutland Hall, giving diners a taste of the area.
Strong relationships with local farmers and producers help him source quality, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the region’s produce. His approach puts flavour, quality and provenance at the heart of the menu, creating food that feels generous, inviting and rooted in its surroundings.
At Rutland Hall, Lee's cooking reaches guests gathering for everything from a leisurely restaurant lunch to a wedding celebration or a special evening of dining.
Among those experiences is the hotel’s Nose to Tail dining series, which explores the possibilities of a single ingredient through a carefully considered menu. These intimate evenings bring together creative cooking, conversation and an opportunity to discover dishes beyond the everyday.
Lee said: “It’s a brilliant feeling to have your work recognised, but a kitchen is always a team effort. This award belongs to everyone who puts so much into looking after our guests, day in, day out.
“For me, good food starts with great ingredients and getting the most flavour out of them. Whether someone is joining us for lunch, celebrating with family or coming along to one of our dining evenings, I want them to leave having really enjoyed their meal and looking forward to coming back.”
Sunil Kanjanghat, Director and General Manager of Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, added: “We’re enormously proud of Lee and the whole kitchen team. Lee’s relationships with local farmers and producers are helping us develop something distinctive at Blossoms, celebrating the quality of the ingredients available on our doorstep."