Hrishikesh Desai is executive chef at the multi-award winning Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere. 

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• Who is National Chef of the Year open to?
• More tips on how to win National Chef of the Year from past winners

Hrishikesh was crowned National Chef of the Year 2010 and was awarded his first star in the Michelin Guide UK 2017.

The highly recognised Gilpin Hotel & Lake House holds three rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide and the only five-star rating in the Lake District.

Hrishikesh’s top five tips on how to win National Chef of the Year 2018

1- Practice, criticise and re-practice.

2 - Allocate one full day for packing ingredients, equipment, pots and pans and check twice before setting off to the competition.

3 - Have your plan ready, work fast and forget what is happening around you.

4 - Keep the work station clean no matter even if you are against time.

5 - Taste, taste and taste and once happy then re-taste. Serve your dish with pride and don't worry about the result.

Hrishikesh added: “Enjoy the moment, enjoy the pressure and enjoy the competition. This is a memory which is going to make you mature, confident and a good ambassador for British Hospitality industry.”

By Grace Handley