Described by competition organiser, David Mulcahy as a ‘phenomenal day,’ he praised the chefs for making this year’s heats the ‘smoothest yet’ and for showcasing their outstanding knowledge, skill and creativity in the kitchen.

With over 100 paper entries, there is no question that the 40 NCOTY semi-finalists are all incredibly talented and have the drive and passion to join our former winners, including Simon Hulstone and Gordon Ramsay.

Tasked with producing a vegetarian starter, lamb main course and modern ‘floating island’ dessert, Mulcahy said “it wasn’t an easy brief but the semi- finalists really embraced the challenge and saw a real variety of menus.”

Chair of judges Gary Jones added: “What a week it’s been for the National Chef of the Year competition. Some of the cooking has been exceptional which made it a challenge for the judges to whittle 40 chefs down to just ten.

“What really stood out for me was how much the finalists listened to the brief this year and focused on the sourcing of their ingredients, considered seasonality when planning their menus, as well as showcasing their creativity and innovation.

“It’s set to be one of our most exciting finals yet and I can’t wait to judge it in October.”

10 NCOTY finalists

• Derek Johnstone, Borthwick Castle (Sheffield heat)
• George Blogg. Gravetye Manor
• Glenn Evans, Las Iguanas
• Liam Fauchard-Newman, Rhubarb/Fenchurch

Joining them are the highest scoring chefs from each heat:

• Martin Frickel, The Forestside
• David Neilson, Number One (Balmoral)
• Nick Smith, Harbour & Jones (Ashurst)
• Kuba Winkowski, The Feathered Nest Inn
• Stefan Sewell, CSCAT
• Thomas Westerland, Lucknam Park

The final place will be the winner of the Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence which will be announced in July.

Brand new for this year, each chef has been invited take part in a Mentor Day on 11 September, where the mystery basket of ingredients they are required to cook with in the final (2 October, the Restaurant Show) will be revealed.

Key dates:

2 October - National Chef of the Year final at The Restaurant Show

For more information or to enter, please visit: https://www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk/.