South African chef in the UK nominated for top award

A Capetonian is in the running for Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year at the UK’s prestigious Hotel Cateys awards.

Jean Delport is the executive chef at Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham, West Sussex, England.

He is one of just four chefs shortlisted for the award. The category recognises talent in the hotel restaurant industry.

The Cateys, organised by The Caterer magazine, is a prestigious annual awards ceremony that honors the top people, teams, and properties in the UK hotel industry.

This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 23 November.

South African chef combines two culinary traditions

Since moving to West Sussex, Delport has become known for combining classical French techniques with his South African heritage.

At Interlude, he uses seasonal ingredients from the Leonardslee estate and surrounding area to showcase Sussex produce.

Delport’s nomination adds to an impressive list of achievements since he arrived in the county from his native Cape Town.

The restaurant earned a Michelin star within its first year. It has since received a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable approach.

The restaurant’s team won Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year at last year’s Hotel Cateys, while Interlude’s 10 bedrooms have been awarded a Michelin Key.

Delport also represented London and the South East on BBC’s Great British Menu in 2025.

The South African chef reached the banquet final after winning both the fish and main-course heats.

Cape Town chef’s latest recognition

Delport said his focus remains on making the most of the ingredients available to him, while drawing on his South African roots.

“I use ingredients from across the estate and I love it when guests enjoy what we have set out to do,” he said.

His latest nomination adds another accolade to his growing list of achievements in the UK.