The search for the UK’s best young chef is on as the Young National Chef of the Year 2016 is launched by The Craft Guild of Chefs.

The semi-finals will be held at Sheffield College on Thursday, June 11 and at Le Cordon Bleu in London on Wednesday, June 24, 2015.

The winners of young chef competitions across the nation, from the British Culinary Federation, the Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence, World Skills UK and Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards, will be automatically seeded into the semi-finals.

The 20 young chefs competing in the semi-finals will then be whittled down to four finalists in a bid to find the best young chef. David Mulcahy, the competition organiser and vice president or the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Young National Chef of the Year supersedes all other young chef contests as it brings together those identified as the best young chefs in the industry and gives them a platform on which to build their future careers. Not only does it celebrate young talent but it ensures that the young chefs are mentored and supported throughout, enabling them to achieve their best in the final.”

Current National Young Chef of the Year, Luke Selby, from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons was mentored by executive chef of at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Gary Jones.

Luke said: Taking part in the competition was both challenging and rewarding and winning Young National Chef of the Year was the icing on the cake. I learnt a lot and it certainly helped me grow in confidence as a chef. I’d definitely encourage my peers to take part.”

His prizes included the winner’s plate, £250 of branded Churchill products and a study trip to Lyon. The trip included dinner at the three Michelin starred restaurant, Régis at Jacques Marcon.

Stefan Horsnell, category marketing director of Unilever Food Solutions, said: “We need young chefs coming up through the ranks to bring with them new techniques, flavours and experiences. Competitions like this attract the best out there, helping them connect with colleagues and develop their careers, so wherever they work they can fulfil their potential and be the best they can.”

For more information about the competition, visit www.craftguildofchefs.org, or follow @TNCOTY #YNCOTY on Twitter.

By Ashley Chalmers