Alyn Williams runs Michelin-starred Mayfair establishment The Westbury and claimed the prestigious National Chef of the Year award in 2012.

A Michelin star, three Rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide, top 15 ranking in the UK’s 100 Best Restaurants and the National Chef of the Year crown have catapulted Alyn and The Westbury to the top of many people’s fine dining wish list.

After being named runner-up in 2011, Alyn then went one better and here are his top five tips on how to approach the National Chef of the Year competition which is now open for entries again:

1 - Don’t do anything that you are not comfortable with. It’s important to push the boundaries a little bit but not to put yourself in trouble on the day.

2 - Practise your dishes at least three times. Time yourself on the second and third run through.

3 - Write everything down, your equipment, the running order and timings.

4 - Focus entirely on yourself. Don’t worry who the other contestants are or what they are cooking. Ultimately you are competing against yourself.

5 - Relax and enjoy yourself!

>>> See 2008 winner Simon Hulstone's top tips here

>>> Read more about the National Chef of the Year 2014 here