British Culinary Federation announce semi finalists for Chef of the Year 2016

The British Culinary Federation (BCF) has announced its semi finalists for its 2016 Chef of the Year Competition.

This year's winner will receive a cash prize of £2,500, a Grant SV Stirring Unit and dinner for two at a Michelin starred restaurant. They will also have the opportunity to join the squad of the English National Culinary Team which will be representing their country at the Culinary World Cup in Erfurt, Germany in October.

The semi-finalists for 2016 include:

Jacob Robinson, Corrigan’s, Mayfair, London

Alexandr Radetchi, Restaurant Story, London

John Larkin, Tom’s Kitchen, London

Andy Wright, Restaurant 23, Leamington Spa

Carlos Martinez, The Stafford, London

Brett Connor, Swinfen Hall, Staffordshire

Greg Newman, Foxhill Manor, The Cotswolds

Byron Franklin, Clare College, Cambridge

Martin Carabott, RAC Club, London

Jamie Park, Adam Handling at Caxton, London

Richard Cullen, Cullen’s Restaurant, Staffordshire

Paul O’Malley, Culcreuch Castle, Scotland

Mathew Shropshall, University College Birmingham

Imthiaz Kader, Hotel 41, Rubens at The Palace, London

James Buckley, Levy Restaurants, ExCel London

John Grabecki, BNY Mellon, London

Gary Kilminster, Essential Cuisine, Cheshire

Alex Dome, Petersham Nurseries, Richmond.

>>>READ: Spotlight on…Peter Griffiths MBE, Director of Le Salon Culinaire

Coming into its 19th year, one of the main aims of the BCF is to encourage and support young chefs to strive for excellence within their chosen profession. This prestigious competition is an opportunity for young chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills and talent.

Past winners include Luke Tipping and Matt Cheal from the Michelin starred restaurant, Simpsons, Michelin starred chefs Simon Hulstone and Richard Turner, and past UK Bocuse d’Or representative and Michelin starred chef Adam Bennett, England’s National team member Simon Webb and Scottish Chef of the Year 2015, Adam Handling.