William Heptinstall

William Heptinstall, who died in 1971, was a well-known British chef. He was patron of Fortingall Hotel in Glen Lyon, Perthshire, Scotland, a haven for lovers of good food and especially famous for its Sunday hors d'oeuvre table.

A Yorkshireman by extraction, Heptinstall became a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers. While he took immense pride in British food, he was also deeply interested in European gastronomic traditions. He travelled extensively and worked for a time in Imperial Russia. His memory is revered among culinary professionals to this day.

He was the author of two full-length books, which are still considered classics of their kind: Hors d'Oeuvre and Cold Table, which won the Silver Medal at the 1960 International Art of Cookery Exhibition at Frankfurt, and Gourmet Recipes from a Highland Hotel.

The William Heptinstall Memorial Fund

This Charitable Trust was established in 1972 in his memory by his niece, the late Mollie Lowrance. For more than 35 years it has given awards to enable young chefs to widen their knowledge of their craft through travel and study.

The Trustee Directors regret to record the death in January 2005 of Mrs Rosemary Joekes, who had been associated with the award since its inception in 1972, and pay tribute to her loyal contribution to its development and success.  She was a great character and we shall miss her.