Led by Clare Clark, one of the world’s finest pastry chefs, the team of six chefs created a unique dessert for the occasion’s 460 guests including Theresa May, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Elior UK CEO and Women of the Year Committee Chair, Catherine Roe.

The team executed Claire Clark’s modern twist on a blackberry and apple crumble, serving a blackberry mousse pebble with apple centre, with fresh figs, blackberry coulis, and a fig and lime sorbet.

Catherine Roe, CEO at Elior UK said: “What better way to honour women’s talent in the UK than with an all-female brigade? Female chefs often don't receive the same level of recognition as men, so we decided to bring them front and centre to showcase the amazing female talent we have at Elior.

“The chance to work in a large scale 5* hotel environment with a world-class pastry chef was a fantastic training opportunity. As an equal opportunities employer with a supportive, inclusive ethos, these initiatives are extremely valuable for employee development.”

The team represented Elior Group across the UK, with chefs from its Scotland and South England B&I divisions, premium city catering arm Lexington, and its care arm, Caterplus.

As a national initiative, Women of the Year has championed women’s achievements for more than 60 years. Also, the Women of the Year Foundation hosts a premier lunch celebrating exceptional women each year.