BCF names Chef of the Year 2014 finalists
The British Culinary Federation (BCF) has announced the names of the 10 finalists in its Chef of the Year 2014 competition (listed below).
The announcement follows a semi-final cook off held this week at University College Birmingham where BCF president Peter Griffiths described the standards as "exceptionally high".
Chefs from hotel restaurants, foodservice companies and training colleges will now compete at the final on 7 April, also at University College Birmingham, which will be followed by an awards dinner.
Judges for the final will include Michelin-starred chefs Alain Roux of the Waterside Inn, Ashley Palmer Watts from Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Simon Hulstone from the Elephant at Torquay, as well as Brian Turner CBE and BCF Chef of the Year Simon Webb, plus a representative of Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises.
Supported by butchers Aubrey Allen and Eblex, the 2014 Chef of the Year competition has a £4,000 prize pot comprising a £2,500 for the overall winner, and an all-expenses paid trip to the Culinary World Cup Luxembourg in November as part of the English National Culinary Team.
Adam Handling St Ermin's Hotel, London
Mathew Shropshall University College Birmingham
James Buckley Genuine Dining Company
Dez Turland Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon
Nick Evans Middlethorpe Hall, York
Byron Franklin Clare College, Cambridge
Keiron Stevens Michael Wignall at The Latymer, Pennyhill Park
Carlos Martinez The Stafford Kempinski, London
Imthiaz Kader Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour, London
Keith Hooker Restaurant Associates, Compass Group, London