Craft Guild launches Young National Chef of the Year 2015

The Craft Guild of Chefs is on the lookout for the next generation of culinary talent with the launch of its annual Young National Chef of the Year competition.

The event, which runs alongside the National Chef of the Year, features eight contestants aged 18 to 23, drawn from different chef competitions around the country.

Winners of young chef competitions from the British Culinary Federation, the Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence, World Skills UK and the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards are automatically awarded a place in the final.

Semi-finals featuring 20 young chefs invited from recognised, industry competitions will determine the remaining four finalists.

The semi-finals will be held at Sheffield College on 11 June 2015 and at Le Cordon Bleu in London on 24 June 2015, to coincide with The National Chef of the Year semi-finals.

David Mulcahy, the competition organiser and vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, commented: "Young National Chef of the Year supersedes all other young chef contests as it brings together those identified as the best young chefs in the industry and gives them a platform on which to build their future careers.

"Not only does it celebrate young talent but it ensures that the young chefs are mentored and supported throughout, enabling them to achieve their best in the final. Winning Young National Chef of the Year firmly establishes a chef as a rising star of the culinary world both in the UK and beyond."

Luke Selby from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons (pictured) and the 2015 winner of the Young National Chef, added: "Taking part in the competition was both challenging and re-warding and winning Young National Chef of the Year was the icing on the cake. I learnt a lot and it certainly helped me grow in confidence as a chef. I'd definitely encourage my peers to take part."

Selby was mentored throughout the competition by Gary Jones, executive chef at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons and supporter of the competition.

Mark Sargeant, Young National Chef of the Year 1996 will continue in his role as Young National Chef of the Year Ambassador.

This year's winner will be revealed along with the National Chef of the Year at an awards ceremony following The Restaurant Show on 6 October 2015.

For more information visit: www.craftguildofchefs.org.