Bennett, head chef at Andreas Antona’s latest venture The Cross in Kenilworth, expressed an interest in taking part in the competition for a second time last summer but his position was only confirmed following a cook-off with two other potential candidates. These were 2011 Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year Frederick Forster from The Boundary Restaurant and Raj Holuss from The Ritz.

Each chef was tasked to prepare and cook three different garnishes to accompany a chicken ballotine, which had to be presented on the silver platters provided.

Bennett’s winning platter was ballotine of French farmed chicken with wild mushroom and truffle mousseline with fricassee of leek and chicken leg, carrot with chicken, tarragon and mustard, potato and cȇpe croquette with pickled mushroom, Savoy cabbage with bacon, chicken jus and sherry vinegar.

Brian Turner, president of Team UK, commented on the result: “The standard of the entries was very high and all the chefs demonstrated excellent cooking skills. Adam once again demonstrated his talent for producing wonderful looking and tasting food and that, along with his experience at the Bocuse d’Or, make him the strongest candidate for 2014.

“However, the Bocuse d’Or is the pinnacle of chef competitions so it’s essential that we continue to seek out candidates who have an interest in taking on the challenge, as well as the skills required. We hope that both Raj and Frederick will be taking part in the national selection for 2017.”

The Bocuse d’Or is one of the most sought after prizes for chefs around the globe. Founded by culinary legend Paul Bocuse, the contest has taken place in Lyon every two years since 1987. Twenty-four countries compete, 12 on day one and 12 on day two. With the help of a commis each chef must produce a fish dish and a meat dish, each with three garnishes.

The Bocuse d’Or UK Academy National Selection for 2017 will take place at Hotelympia on April 28 2014. For more details and to receive an entry form, email Michelle Diederichs at [email protected].

Adam Bennett and Brian Turner will be appearing on Saturday Kitchen on January 11.