Young Chef Young Waiter northern region finalists named

Following the northern regional finals held in Darlington, Tom Barnes of L’Enclume in Cartmel was announced winner of the chef heats, while Claudio Di Somma of The Ritz in London won the waiter round.

The panel of chef judges was chaired by Bruce Poole of Chez Bruce in London while the waiter judges were chaired by Stephen Mannock from the National Skills Academy for Hospitality.

Bob Walton, chairman of the competition, said that this year’s standard of entrants was higher than ever.

“We can be really proud of all these young people who show so much talent,” he said. “They are the future of the industry.”

The southern regional chef finals will take place on 14 September at the University of West London and the waiter’s finals will follow on 19 September at the Nestlé Business Centre in Maidenhead.

All 16 northern and southern finalists win a three-day trip to Champagne Laurent-Perrier, and will go on to compete in the national final held at Westminster Kingsway College on 20 October.

The northern competitors through to the final of YCYW 2011 are:​

Young chefs:​

Tom Barnes of L’Enclume in Cartmel

Adam Handling, Fairmont St Andrews

Chris Kenny, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxford

Ryan Murphy, Turnberry Hotel

Young waiters:​

Claudio Di Somma of The Ritz in London

Sophie Henderson, Coworth Park, Ascot

Carine Jau, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxford

Tobias Klaas, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, London