High-profile judge roster bolstered ahead of Young Chef Young Waiter competition

The roster of high-profile judges who will oversee the relaunch of the Young Chef Young Waiter competition has continued to grow, including the likes of Jason Atherton and Tom Kerridge.

The prestigious competition, which holds Marcus Wareing, Mark Sargeant and Simon King among its previous winners, has relaunched after a seven-year hiatus under the event’s previous chair Robert Walton MBE.

Now King will take on the role of head waiter judge alongside Theo Randall, who will serve as head chef judge. Others to throw their weight behind the event include Jason Atherton, Tom Kerridge, Claude Bosi, Emily Roux, Ruth Hansom and Jeff and Chris Galvin.

Atherton, a new addition to the lineup, said: “I’m so pleased to be involved in this year’s Young Chef Young Waiter and to help promote the hospitality industry to young people.

"It’s fast-paced and hectic but a rewarding exciting industry to be a part of and this competition is a great way for young people to start out.”

Other judges will include Andy Downton, Johanna Wimmer, Merlin Labron-Johnson, Sanjay Dwivedi and Tom Aikens - who praised the competition as one that “nurtures, educates and guides" young talent.

Aikens added: “The Young Chef Young Waiter is one of the most respected competitions in the country and one that helps to highlight the very best of home grown talent we have in this industry.

“It brings together the very best that we have working across the whole of the UK in our restaurants and hotels, its the best way to showcase our future shining stars that can in turn help to attract the next generation of chefs and waiters into this amazing industry of ours.”

Established in 1979, the competition has called for contestants under the age of 26 to submit digital entries, before the lucky 40 candidates selected are asked to attend a live competition final in London.

The top three in both categories will be matched with world-renowned chefs and highly respected front of house specialists in elite hospitality locations. Prizes will include travel, accommodation and completely unique work experience with exceptional experts in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Entries close on 15 September.