Ben Mitchell from Pembrokeshire wins Junior Chef of Wales

Ben Mitchell, demi chef de partie at the Grove in Pembrokeshire has been crowned junior chef of Wales.

The four finalists were given three hours to cook a three course meal for four persons using their own original menu.

Ben’s winning menu opened with a starter of scallops with textures of leek and fennel, continued with a main course of lamb, broccoli and rocket and concluded with a dessert of apple compote and warm cinnamon mousse.

Ben, 19, said: "I’m overwhelmed and shocked because I wasn’t expecting it. It’s amazing to have won and I would like to thank the whole team at The Grove, especially head chef Peter Whaley, who was my commis chef for the final.

“The fact that a chef from South West Wales has won the competition for the second year in a row shows how good the food is in the region. My ambition is to gain my own Michelin stars in the future.”

Runners up included James Corbett, 20, commis chef at Llangoed Hotel, Llyswen, near Brecon, Josh Hughes, 20, chef de partie at Deganwy Quay Hotel, Deganwy and Aaron Griffith, 23, chef de partie at St George’s Hotel, Llandudno.

Chairman of the judges, Mr Retallick praised all four finalists saying, “We need good, dedicated people in this industry, which can give you so much satisfaction and opportunities, but you have to work hard at the beginning.”

The final was held on the first day of the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea on Monday and was organised by the Culinary Association of Wales.

Judges included Michelin star chefs Hywel Jones from Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, near Chippenham, Will Holland, from Coast Restaurant, Saundersfoot, Shaun Hill, from The Walnut Tree, near Abergavenny and Mike Evans, Junior Culinary Team Wales coach and John Retallick, Culinary Association of Wales secretary.

Ben will now qualify for the UK semi-finals of the National Junior Chef of the Year contest, spend a week with head chef Gareth Ward at the Michelin starred Ynyshir Hall, near Machynlleth and receive a set of knives from Dick Knives.

The National Chef of Wales final will take place on Thursday 18, March.