Danny Young is the Young National Chef of the Year 2018

Danny Young from Northcote Manor has been crowned the Young National Chef of the Year 2018.

• Read more about National Chef of the Year here
• Who were the Young National Chef of the Year 2018 finalists?

The competition has kick-started the careers of many of today’s industry stars. It was closely fought with a high standard of entries from all the young chefs and second place was awarded to Arthur Bridgeman-Quin of The Punchbowl and in third was Thomas Reeves from L'Enclume.

It was Danny's third attempt at the coveted title and he said he 'would've felt like he's failed' if he hadn't won it this time.

"It's a very big achievement for me," explained Danny. "I started seven years ago and I didn't see myself going on to win awards in what I'm doing. It's not just a job, I've always wanted to be a chef but you don't think about winning awards in front of all these people especially with the calibre of judges in the room."

On his support from Nigel Haworth and Lisa Allan at Northcote he said: "They've been a massive backing especially Lisa. Northcote is a great kitchen for young people and even for apprentices seeing me win this it really gives them something to aim for."  

Danny cooked Norwegian haddock, salt and vinegar black peas, potato crips, dashi 'Caviar' for his starter, rare breed miso beef for main and warm orchard apple syrup sponge for dessert and this year they had to use Asian flavours.

The other finalists were Henry Wadsworth, chef de partie, Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons; Daniela Tucci, chef de partie/pastry chef, The Art School; Alex Walker, chef de partie, 21 Hospitality Group;  Amber Francis, commis chef, The Ritz; Frances Attwood, demi chef de partie, Simpsons Restaurant; Samuel King, demi chef de partie, The Ritz; and Jacob Gosselin, student, Highlands Academy of Culinary Arts.

Nigel Haworth told The Staff Canteen that he is incredibly proud of Danny, he said: "If anybody deserves it Danny does. He's really worked tirelessly and he's very dedicated. He's a quiet guy so for him to come out and do this for three years and then eventually win it, I'm so pleased for him."

All of the finalists and winners celebrated their achievements in a ceremony at The Restaurant Show, with judges and sponsors on hand to offer their congratulations.

Contestants had to impress some of the best chef judges with their creations which included Russell Bateman, Alyn Williams, Lee Westcott and Daniel Galmiche.