The names of 39 chefs in the running for one of 13 awards at this year`s Craft Guild of Chefs Awards have been released.
Shortlisted entrants will find out on Monday June 1 at an awards ceremony in London if they are winners of awards in a host of categories including Restaurant Chef, Pastry Chef and Ethnic Chef.
Craft Guild of Chefs chairman Nick Vadis said it had been one of the toughest elimination processes yet in the history of the competition, which celebrates its 16th year this year.
He said: “Judging who to put forward to the final has become no mean feat, with virtually every entry form packed with impressive achievements, passion and evidence of exceptional dedication.
“We got there in the end, however, and this year’s shortlisted contenders are absolute stars in their chosen field and a credit to the industry. Something to be incredibly proud of."
The shortlist
Apprentice Chef
• Tim Cottrill - Rudding Park
• Katie Beth Mckay - La Manior Aux Quat Saison
• Samantha Rowles - Sheraton Skyline
Banqueting Chef
• Nigel Borchetti - The Royal Lancaster Hotel
• Steve Golding - Sodexo
• Manuel Martin – Searcys
Competition Chef
• Richard Bowden - Compass Group
• Hayden Groves - Elior UK
• Simon Hulstone - The Elephant
Contract Catering Chef
• David Cavalier - Charlton House
• Dennis Mwakulua - Fujitsu Services
• Robbie Robinson – ESS
Cost Sector Chef
• Mark Crowe - Avenance
• Michael Godfrey - Bekynton Eton College
• Rob Kennedy - Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Development Chef
• Alan Coxon - Coxon’s Kitchen Ltd
• Brian Eastment - Major International
• Phil Rimmer - Apetito
Education Chef
• Michael Kitts - Emirates Academy of Hospitality
• Norman Robertson - Ayr College
• Simon Stocker - Westminster Kingsway
Ethnic Chef
• Mohammed Aslam - Rajput Restaurant
• Tuncay Kurnaz - Bistro 1
• Jasvinderjit Singh - Brillant Restaurant
Pastry Chef
• Benoit Blin - Le Manior aux Quat Saison
• Sarah Hartnett - The Park Lane Hotel
• Stephen Tarling - The Landmark Hotel
Pub Restaurant Chef
• Dominic Chapman - The Royal Oak, Maidenhead, Berkshire
• Mick Illingworth - The Thatcher’s Arms, Mount Bures, Essex
• Michael Ward - The Highwayman Inn, Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale
Restaurant Chef
• Izu Ani - Vanilla
• Herbert Berger - 1 Lombard Street
• Kieren Steinborn - Swan at the Globe
Young Chef
• Adam Smith - Ritz Hotel
• Aimee Sutcliffe - Sodexo
• Will Torrent – Bachmanns
Craft Guild of Chefs Awards open for nominations