- You are here:
- Home
- /
- Obsession History
- /
- The Obsession Chefs 2023
- /
- Thursday 2nd February 2023
Thursday 2nd February 2023
Day 14 of 17
John Williams MBE & Spencer Metzger
The Ritz
150 PICCADILLY, LONDON W1J 9BR
1 Michelin star
View BioJohn Williams MBE & Spencer Metzger
Joining The Ritz as Executive Chef in 2004, British born John Williams brought three decades of hospitality experience to the venerated kitchens of the legendary Piccadilly hotel. In 2008, John Williams received the ultimate accolade when he was awarded as MBE in the New Year’s Honour List by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his services to hospitality. A longstanding favourite with the Royal family, Williams catered for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 70th and 80th birthday banquets as well as several private dinners for the Royal family at The Ritz and at Buckingham Palace. As Executive Chef at The Ritz, Williams is responsible for the menus in The Ritz Restaurant, The Palm Court, The Rivoli Bar, Room Service and the banqueting and private dining rooms. The recipient of a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Ritz was the first and only hotel to receive this prestigious accolade.
Head Chef at The Ritz London, Spencer is the second in command of a brigade of over 60 chefs at the hotel. Throughout his career, Spencer has competed in various competitions including the Young National Chef of the Year; The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Annual Awards of Excellence (which he won); and in 2021 he was Awarded a Caterer Acorn Award, known as the 30 under 30, and recognised as one of their rising hospitality stars. Spencer won the prestigious Roux Scholarship 2019, and completed his three month internship prize at the three-star Frantzen restaurant in Stockholm at the start of 2020. Spencer has a true love for cooking food which is routed in classic foundations, elegant in style, and using the best of produce grown in a sustainable and ethical way.
Menu
BALLOTINE OF DUCK LIVER
Damson, Pistachio
Riesling, Vendange Tardives, Rolly Gassmann, Kappelweg de Rorschwihr, Alsace, France, 2000
EGG CUSTARD
Truffle, Parmesan
Château Lestrille-Capmartin, Bordeaux Blanc, France, 2019
CORNISH TURBOT
Veronique
Cartology, Alheit Vineyards, Coastal Region, South Africa, 2020
PITHIVIER OF BRESSE PIGEON
Wild Mushroom Duxelles
Gigondas, Domaine Les Sibu, Southern Rhone, France 2020
YORKSHIRE RHUBARB
Almond, Vanilla
SALTED PEANUT PARFAIT
Fudge & Dulcey
Château Coutet, Barsac, Bordeaux, France, 2002
Obsession Food Festival
Obsession first took place in 2001 and was created as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new.
From that first event, its size has grown but the ethos is still very much the same; a completely memorable culinary experience with some of the world’s most innovative chefs creating unique Obsession menus for guests to enjoy at Northcote.
Headline Sponsor

Deepbridge
Company ProfileDeepbridge

Award-winning Deepbridge Capital provides investors with access to portfolios of actively-managed, growth-focused technology and life sciences companies, taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.
Contact Details
Restaurant Sponsor

Royal Crown Derby
Company ProfileRoyal Crown Derby
Royal Crown Derby has been manufacturing the world’s most exquisite tableware in the heart of England, since 1750. Trend defining creativity, unrivalled quality and breath-taking service are the hallmarks of our reputation; earned over 270 years by servicing distinguished Clients including Royal Families and the world’s finest hotels and restaurants.
Contact Details
The Cook School Sponsor

Gaggenau
gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988
Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany.” The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 24 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
Contact Details
gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988
Film Sponsor

Wellocks
Company ProfileWellocks
Wellocks have become the special ingredient of the UK’s finest restaurants and have been working closely with Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Craig Bancroft at Northcote for many years, sourcing the most exceptional produce and speciality ingredients.
Contact Details
Luxury Car Sponsor

Stratstone
Company ProfileStratstone
Contact Details
Luxury Car Sponsor

Aston Martin
www.stratstone.com/dealers/aston-martin-manchester/
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Manchester is an official Aston Martin Retailer and is set in the heart of Cheshire, in a picturesque location in Wilmslow. The area lies between affluent Alderley Edge and Handforth.
We provide new and pre-owned Aston Martin models. We pride ourselves on an unparalleled level of customer care, and a personal, bespoke service.
Contact the team on 01625 548802 or info@astonmartinmanchester.co.uk
Contact Details
Luxury Car Sponsor

Porsche
www.stratstone.com/dealers/?brand=porsche
Porsche
Contact Details
Kitchen Sponsor

Electrolux Professional
electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260
Electrolux Professional
Electrolux Professional provides globally renowned kitchen solutions and innovative products to meet the needs of chefs at Northcote; the home of Obsession 19.
Contact Details
electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260
Champagne Sponsor

Louis Roederer Champagne
Company ProfileLouis Roederer Champagne
Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is an independent family-run champagne house producing Louis Roederer and Cristal champagnes. Pioneers in sustainable farming, Louis Roederer works hand in hand with nature to produce extraordinary wines that reflect the terroir of the champagne soils and the passion of the Rouzaud family.
Contact Details
Caviar Sponsor

Sturia Caviar
Company ProfileSturia Caviar
Classic Fine Foods supply the UK’s best tables with the highest quality of fine food ingredients coming from the best producers around the world. Sturia, Breeder, Producer and Selector_Refiner of French Caviar and third caviar producer in the world, develop its own fish farms in Aquitaine, south west France. They ensure the highest levels of quality in the production, controlling the full cycle from sturgeon breeding to maturation. A guaranteed 100% French origin for a transparent and healthy caviar renowned from the best Chefs.