Following a tense semi-final, five talented young chefs have reached the final of the Young National Chef of the Year 2016, one of the UK’s most challenging contests for young chefs. 

Arthur Quinn from The Punchball Inn, Danny Young from Northcote Manor, Elly Wentworth from Manor House Hotel, Ruth Hansom from The Ritz London and Connor Godfrey from Wiltons Restaurant have made it to the final. They will join the seeded finalists Danny Hoang from Colette’s at The Grove and the winner of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence in the final, which will take place at The Restaurant Show in London Olympia on Tuesday 6th October.

David Mulcahy, Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chefs and organiser of the competition said: “Young National Chef of the Year would be a tough challenge for an experienced chef never mind someone in their late teens or early twenties.

"These young finalists don’t just possess culinary talent but the determination and work ethic needed to succeed at a high level. I wish every one of them well as they work towards the next stage of the competition.”

The seven finalists will attend the Mentor Day in the KNORR Kitchen in Leatherhead on Monday 7th September. Here, they will be provided with key ingredients or specified dishes to create their menu and given vital information and rules.

The finalists will also receive advice as well as focused demonstrations to ensure they are prepared for the final.
 David Mulcahy, Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chefs and organiser of the competition said: “Young National Chef of the Year would be a tough challenge for an experienced chef never mind someone in their late teens or early twenties. These young finalists don’t just possess culinary talent but the determination and work ethic needed to succeed at a high level. I wish every one of them well as they work towards the next stage of the competition."

Mark Sargeant, Young National Chef of the Year Ambassador, added: “Once again the standard of cooking in this competition has been fantastic.  I’ve been particularly impressed with the effort made to take into account provenance and flavour. In essence, the finalists demonstrated great skills and cooked absolutely delicious food. I can’t wait to see and taste what they produce in the final.”

The winner and runners up will be revealed on Tuesday 6 October along with The National Chef of the Year at an awards ceremony.

>>> Read more about Young National Chef of the Year here