Semi-finalists announced for National Chef of the Year 2016

The Guild saw a record number of entries for this year’s competition, receiving 159 entries and over 400 chefs registering their interest to view the brief.

David Mulcahy, Vice-President of the Craft Guild of Chefs and organiser of the National Chef of the Year competition, said: “As the leading culinary challenge in the UK today and recognised across the industry, the National Chef of the Year is as strong today as it was in 1972 when it was first introduced. Following the paper entry stage all judges agreed that the standard this year has improved on recent years, and I have no doubt that we are in for a tough competition.

"The focus on a very clear set of skills at the semi-final stage will determine who deserves to go through to the final stages where they will be able to show their own personal innovation and skills with what will be the best mystery basket yet. The National Chef of the Year continues to grow and develop and to reflect today’s fast paced and exciting industry.”

Following the semi-finals, the ten highest scoring chefs will then face the ultimate challenge in the NCOTY final on the 4^th October at the Restaurant Show.

The 40 semi-finalists, come from a range of establishments, from fine dining restaurants and upmarket hotels, to contract caterers, pubs and colleges.