Finalists revealed for Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist England 2024

Twelve finalists have been announced for the 2024 Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist (YYY) England competition.

The event, which is open to all young hospitality staff aged 28 or under, will take place on 23 April at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.

The Young Chef Young Waiter competition celebrates its 45th year, while the Young Mixologist England arm is in its third.

Finalists were selected by a judging panel headed by Adam Handling of Adam Handling Restaurant Group, Simon King of the Wolseley Group and Eleonora Biason of the Emory.

Applicants were asked to answer a series of questions online as well as submit a video of themselves.

Three winners – one chef, one waiter and one mixologist – will be announced at the England finals. The trio will then be invited to the World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist World Finals in Singapore to compete against 13 other countries.

Robert Walton, YYY chairman, said: “As chairman of the event, I am thrilled to witness the evolution of our competition, nurturing and showcasing the passion, skills and dedication of the next generation of hospitality professionals. Each year, YYY provides an unparalleled platform for young talents to excel, learn and network, defining their careers in an ever-evolving industry.”

Handling added: “YYY is such an important competition and I can’t wait to see what the contestants will bring this year. This competition encourages the next generation of enthusiastic young talent in hospitality roles and pushes them to be the best that they can be. The restaurant world is changing and YCYW is there to help them evolve and adapt, nurturing the exciting and fresh talent they already bring.”

The Young Chef finalists are

• Sebastian Brooks, the Dorchester
• Megan Drayson, Bowley’s at the plough
• Joel Light, Frog by Adam Handling
• Rojay Sargeant, the Cove Club

The Young Waiter finalists are

• Joel Knotman, Woven by Adam Smith
• James Bott, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling
• Lisa Dransfield, the Samling Hotel
• Nicoleta Munteanu, Frog by Adam Handling

The Young Mixologist finalists are

• Alicia Burd, Soho Farmhouse
• Johnathan Steers, Beaufort Bar at the Savoy
• Drew Fleming, Kiki Lounge
• Khris McLaren, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling