The Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards at the Landmark London Hotel has revealed the five young chefs participating in the final all achieved a score of 85% or higher.

Led by James Newton from the Royal Garden Hotel, who achieved a score of 87.5%, the five young chefs were put through their paces in the final, which took place on Thursday, August 28. The final examination consisted of a theory paper before butchery and fishmongery tests, as well as tackling a mystery basket dish.

Newton’s win earns him a four day break courtesy of Warner Hotels. Connor Godfrey from Wilton’s Restaurant came second, followed by Ruth Hanson of The Ritz London, Wayne Herrington of The Landmark London Hotel and Victoria Scupham from The Royal Household.

Steve Munkley, the event organiser since its creation 12 years ago, says that the examinations aim to take what chefs under the age of 23 have learnt at college and in the workplace to the next level, with the added guidance of their mentors.

Steve said: “This was the calmest final we’ve ever had and I am certain this was down to the mentor day which took place in July.  Chefs had the opportunity to meet each other in advance and find out what was expected of them.

“What makes this competition special is that all of the finalists are able to pass the examination so they all support each other throughout the process and want each other to do well.  Some of the chefs put many hours of practice in between the mentor day and final and their hard work and dedication has paid off.”

Chairman of the judges, Paul Gayler MBE, said: “All in all it was a great day’s work for these talented chefs who worked professionally and tidily.  It was interesting to see some of the old classics that the judges first cooked at college being brought back for these young chefs to prepare. However, I think these dishes did create some challenges so it made an interesting and exciting final.”

At the Graduate Awards ceremony, Ian Spencer who works at Buckingham Palace was given the CGC Employer’s Award for Excellence in Training to commend his work mentoring finalist Victoria Scupham from The Royal Household. The 2014 Graduate Awards are sponsored by AAK, CCS, City & Guilds, Essential Cuisine, Gram, James Knight of Mayfair, Landmark London Hotel, Mars Foodservice (Uncle Ben’s), Meiko, MKN, Reynolds Catering Supplies, Robert Welch, Savoy Educational Trust, The London Meat Company, Villeroy & Boch and Warner Leisure.

By Jessica Eve Kennedy