Arpad Hubai’s culinary talents are recognised not only in Bradford but nationally.

The Hungarian chef, whose colleagues at the Ring O’Bells in Thornton affectionately call Arpi, recently won through to the final of the global cuisine category of the 2009 PubChef Excellence Awards.

He wowed judges with his Eastern marinated goats’ chops served with Goanese-style potatoes and coconut and coriander sauce.

“The dish worked because it was a unique combination of Middle Eastern and Asian ingredients and flavours,” he says. “I used goat’s chops in the dish as goat’s meat is widely used throughout these areas.”

It is the second year running that Arpad has reached the final of the hard-fought contest, which involves a tense ‘cook off’ against chefs from across the UK.

“It was great to reach that stage again,” he says. “The competition is very tough.”

Arpad, 32, has worked at the Ring O’Bells in Thornton, for three years, starting as chef de partie. One of a five-strong team, he creates imaginative dishes including fillet of salmon on fresh asparagus with a lemon and dill sauce, roast topside of English beef with rich gravy and Yorkshire pudding, roast breast of chicken stuffed with buttered leeks wrapped in smoked bacon, and a range of traditional pies.

“It is an international menu to cater for all tastes, with a good range of traditional pub fare.”

Where possible they use locally-sourced produce including some from local markets. “That is quite important to us,” he says.

The kitchen is a hive of activity, with everyone helping each other. “I work with a really good team of people,” he says. “There is a good atmosphere.”

Raised in Budapest, Arpad began cooking at just six, at first making breakfast, then moving on to lunch and dinner.

His first job took him to sea as one of a large catering team on board a cruise ship. “It was hard work – sometimes around 15 hours a day, but it was great fun sailing around the Greek Islands, and to North Africa and Turkey.”

Off-duty, Arpad enjoys meeting friends at the Hungarian Club in Manningham. “We sit down, relax and have a chat.” He is also a keen reader and enjoys listening to music.

At home in Thornton, he makes traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, and also enjoys pasta-based meals. Occasionally, he includes dishes from his home country – goulash or chicken paprikash – on the specials board at the Ring O’Bells.

Arpad loves his job at the cosy pub and adjoining Bronte restaurant, with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. “I like to see customers enjoying themselves, it makes me happy.”

He is passionate about his art. “When I cook, I cook with love – from the heart.”