Entries open for National Chef of the Year

The Craft Guild of Chefs has opened entries for National Chef of the Year.

This year’s brief requires chefs to create dishes in line with the chosen theme of ’Classic Meets Contemporary’.

Competitors will be challenged to prepare a three-course menu for two covers in three hours with seasonal ingredients from the month of October to coincide with the date of the final.

For the starter, chefs must serve a classically inspired lobster dish accompanied by a sauce demonstrating technical skill, attention to detail and exceptional flavour.

The main will feature two cuts of beef accompanied by a potato and onion element, drawing inspiration from national and international cuisines.

Finally, for the dessert, chefs must prepare a tart or tartlet that enhances the rich flavours of Valrhona chocolate while also showcasing their personality.

Matt Abé, chair of judges who will soon launch his first solo restaurant in the former Le Gavroche site, said: “After seeing the exceptional standard of dishes during last year’s extended cooking time, I wanted to retain the three-hour time limit to allow chefs the opportunity to fully showcase their skills.

“During the first round of judging, we’ll be looking for chefs who demonstrate excellent technical ability, culinary knowledge, and an enticing menu that leaves us eager to taste their dishes. Innovation, seasonality, and the reduction of waste will also be key considerations. I’m honoured to chair this competition for a second year running and to help the Guild develop it further bringing new ideas and initiatives.”

David Mulcahy, vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs and competition director, added: “Winning this title is within reach for every ambitious chef, as we use a rigorous judging process that begins with a blind evaluation of the initial menus.”

Chefs can register from today via National Chef of the Year website and have until Monday 14 April to complete their preliminary entries.

Forty semi-finalists will be selected, all of whom will be announced on Monday 2 June.

Ten finalists will be chosen to cook their original menus on Tuesday 7 October at the University of West London.

Former winners of National Chef of the Year, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, include Russell Bateman, Alyn Williams, Hrishikesh Desai, Steve Groves, Ben Murphy and Gordon Ramsay.