Winners of Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist England 2023 announced

The three winners of Young Chef Young Waiter England and Young Mixologist England have been revealed.

The victorious trio was announced at an awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

Candidates had to submit a video entry as well as demonstrate creativity, attention to detail and technical ability in front of the judges at the live final, which was held at University College Birmingham.

The three England winners will go on to compete at the world finals on 23-24 November at the Lycée Rainier III in Monaco.

The winners are:

• Winning mixologist, Niamh Preedy of Northcote hotel
• Winning waiter, Jade Walker of the Ritz London
• Winning chef, Benjamin Mabley of Hartwell House Hotel & Spa

Craig Hancox, general manager at the ICC Birmingham and Young Chef Young Waiter England judge, said: “As a judge, I witnessed remarkable talent and unwavering passion in the YCYW England competition. The winners have proved themselves as shining examples of perseverance and skill, deserving of the highest accolades.”

Young Chef Young Waiter England head chef judge Adam Handling added that it was the “closest final I’ve ever seen”, while Young Mixologist England head mixologist judge Anna Sebastian commented: “It was an honour to be part of the Young Mixologist England competition for its debut year, and witness such great talent participate.”

The competition was established in 1979 and is open to hospitality professionals who are under 28 years old.

This was the first year the competition was extended to mixology.