RCA Annual Awards of Excellence semi finalists announced

Following an unprecedented number of entries, the Royal Academy of Arts have announced the names of the 2014 Annual Awards of Excellence semi finalists.

The AAE is the most prestigious award available to young people in the hospitality industry today, recognising and encouraging the most talented up and coming chefs, pastry chefs and waiters.

Since it began in 1983 over 480 young people have achieved the award, setting them off onto highly successful career paths.

See a full list of semi finalists here.

The AAE is not seen as a competition but more of a qualification in that anyone who meets the high standards set by the judges will be in line to receive the award. Additionally, the highest scorers in each category will be named either RCA Young Chef, Young Pastry Chef and Young Waiter 2014.

Semi finals will take place around the country at the beginning of April.