The award examines candidates on their ability to reach the standard of excellence set by a board of judges. The purpose of the awards is to showcase the talent of individuals in their chosen profession of Kitchen, Pastry or Service.
The award is currently the most prestigious prize available to young people working within hospitality. It is open to young professionals aged between 20 and 26 and sets the pathway for highly successful careers.
All of the candidates who score over 70% in the tasks set and judged by industry luminaires are awarded with the AAE. The entrant who achieves the highest marks in their section is named the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Young Chef, Young Pastry Chef or Young Waiter 2018. On the board of judges is John Williams MBE, Executive Chef for The Ritz London and Chairman of the RACA.
The RACA makes clear that the award is not a competition, saying that throughout the process of achieving the award the participants benefit from a unique learning experience.
The winning candidates are invited to a Gala Dinner at Claridge’s on Tuesday 10th July, at which they will be presented with a diploma recognising their achievement.
KITCHEN WINNERS
- Gercelynn Mae Dionio Restaurant Hywel Jones (Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa)
- Connor Farrer The Ritz London
- Faye De Souza Restaurant Associates, Deloitte
- Frederick Smith The Pig on the Beach
- Jade Stevens Restaurant Hywel Jones (Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa)
- Andrew Trante Trinity
PASTRY WINNERS
- Sophie Bamford 21, Newcastle
- Nicholas Bentley Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons
- Bastien Carriou Harrods
- Nikola Krikavova Hakkasan, Hanway Place
SERVICE WINNERS
- Dimitri Auriant Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
- Alessandro Bello The Ritz London
- Catarina Caldeira The Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Stockross
- Elizabeth Forkuoh The Strathearn - The Gleneagles Hotel
- Giovanna Gucciardo Le Gavroche
- Valerija Kirjackaja The Ritz London
- Ryan Kenyon André Garrett at Cliveden House
- Marion Pépin Core by Clare Smyth
- Andrea Saccogna The Woodspeen
- Bethan Sampson Pollen Street Social
JUDGES
Honorary President of the AAE 2018: JASON ATHERTON, Chef Patron, The Social Company
Chairman of the AAE: JOHN WILLIAMS MBE, Executive Chef, The Ritz London
Joint Chairmen of Kitchen: MARTYN NAIL, Executive Chef, Claridge’s and HYWEL JONES, Head Chef, Restaurant Hywel Jones
Joint Chairmen of Pastry: YOLANDE STANLEY MCA, The Pastry Training Company & SARAH HARTNETT, Pastry Consultant
Joint Chairmen of Service: SERGIO REBECCHI, Director, Serenata Hospitality and JOHN COUSINS, Director, The Food and Beverage Training Company