Applications open for Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence 2023

Applications have opened for the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE) 2023.

Young professionals across hospitality are encouraged to apply under the three categories: chef, pastry chef and waiter.

Entries are open to individuals aged up to 26 who have been working full-time in the UK as a chef, pastry chef or waiter for at least two years.

The AAE is not a competition but an examination, which means that every successful finalist can pass or fail depending on their ability to meet the criteria.

The candidates in each category with the highest marks will be named the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Young Chef, Young Pastry Chef and Young Waiter of the Year 2023.

Selection is based on written entries, which will also require a CV, headshot photo and answers to three questions. Entries close on 31 January and applicants should apply here.

Selected candidates will progress to the quarter-finals in March/April, the semi-finals in April/May and finals in June, where they will be challenged to exhibit a wide range of classical skills.

Prizes include a £2,000 bursary and an educational trip abroad provided by the Savoy Educational Trust, as well as work experience at Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social in London and Heston Blumenthal’s the Fat Duck in Bray.

All service semi-finalists and finalists will receive direct entry to the Gold Service Scholarship, while the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Young Chef of The Year will gain automatic entry to the final of the Craft Guild of Chefs, National Young Chef of The Year.

The AAE awards were launched in 1983 and there have been more than 650 award winners.