British Culinary Federation names Young Chef of the Year finalists

The 18 finalists have been announced for the British Culinary Federation's Young Chef of the Year competition.

The final will take place on 5 November at University College Birmingham, where competitors will have two hours to produce a three-course meal for two in two hours. The meal should highlight British produce and the starter should be suitable for a vegetarian. There will be two heats followed by a dinner and awards evening.

This year's top prize is the David Bache Trophy, a cheque for £500, an invitation to the winner's lunch with Villeroy & Boch, a commemorative plate, a framed certificate and seeded entry into the National Young Chef of the Year final.

Luke Turner of Simpson's Restaurant in Edgbaston, Birmingham won the competition last year.

The finalists are:
• Louis O'Hara, Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire
• Amrita Phull, Buckland Manor, Broadway, Worcestershire
• Jacob Major, the Manor House Hotel and Golf Club, Chippenham, Wiltshire
• Ben Cowley, Simpson's restaurant, Edgbaston
• Megan Connor, the Red Lion, Bradley, Staffordshire
• Harvey Perttola, Swinfen Hall, Lichfield, Staffordshire
• Adam Shohet, Portland Restaurant, London
• Monty Stonehewer, Hampton Manor, Warwickshire
• Theo Hadjitofi, De Banke Group, Solihull
• Matthew Nicholls, Cheal's of Henley, Warwickshire
• Rhys McCausland, Houses of Parliament, London
• James Prout, the Wild Rabbit, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
• Millie Tibbins, University College Birmingham
• Callum Wood, North Warwickshire and Hinckley College
• Sam King, the Ritz London
• Fraser Cooper, the Devonshire Arms hotel, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire
• Katie Cooper, Carters of Moseley, Birmingham
• Enrique Diez, the Frog Hoxton, London

Luke Turner wins BCF Young Chef of the Year 2017 >>

BCF Young Chef of the Year 2017 finalists revealed >>

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