Ten finalists announced for National Chef of the Year

Ten chefs have reached the National Chef of the Year final following a tense second-stage cook-off.

Last month, 40 semi-finalists were asked to create an amuse-bouche or pre-dessert with the theme ‘A taste of summer’ that showcased seasonal ingredients as well as being an homage to those who inspired their culinary career.

Matt Abé, chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, said: “The 40 semi-finalists didn’t make this an easy decision for us and there was a lot of deliberation to select just 10 chefs, but I am confident we have an incredible level of talent cooking for us in the final.

“The second stage was really impressive with some great storytelling around the food. There’s going to be some amazing menus for us to taste in October and now it’s just about refining them so the dishes are as strong as they can be.

"This year, chefs have three hours to cook their full menus and I am looking forward to seeing what impact this has on the end result.” 

David Mulcahy, competition director and food innovation and sustainability director at Sodexo UK and Ireland, added: “Judging this competition gets harder each year as we continue to attract some of the best talent in the UK to enter."

Finalists will attend the mentor day at the Waitrose Food Innovation Studio on 3 September prior to the finals, which will be held on 8 October.

This year’s National Chef of the Year finalists are:

• Adam Fisher, head chef, Pennyhill Park, Surrey
• Cleverson Cordeiro, head chef, Frog by Adam Handling, London
• Craig Edgell, head chef, Buoy and Oyster, Margate, Kent
• Danny Young, head chef, the Torridon, Wester Ross 
• Jethro Lawrence, development chef, Apetito
• Lee Tyler, head chef, Meadowsweet, Holt, Norfolk
• Matt Ramsdale, head chef, Northcote, Langho, Lancashire
• Nick Edgar, head chef, Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire
• Orry Shand, executive chef, Entier
• Paul Gamble, senior brand innovation chef, Waitrose and Partners

Murray Cooper, senior sous chef at the Forest Side, and Sergio Cinotti, chef from Gem42, have been selected as reserves.

The Craft Guild of Chefs is the UK’s largest chefs’ association.