Weston fought off two top contenders – Deepak Mallya on assignment at the Ritz, and Joe Gould from the Lainston House Hotel in Winchester – in the final at the MOD Food Services Wing, Worthy Down earlier in March.

The finalists, all of whom were under the age of 27 and working in Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ establishments across the UK, were tasked with creating a three-course meal from a mystery box of ingredients in just three hours, which encompassed originality, taste and good presentation.

Daniel Galmiche from The Vineyard at Stockcross and chairman of judges said: “All three finalists demonstrated an incredibly high level of skill, passion and creativity as well as a real understanding of flavour profiles. Ricki’s menu was exceptional and we congratulate him on his achievement.”

Tanguy Martin of Hotel TerraVina in Netley Marsh, Hampshire, took home the coveted Young Sommelier of the Year title at the awards ceremony.

He beat off the other finalists in a series of challenges, designed to test their technical knowledge and service ability, at the Gaggenau Showroom in London. Romain Bourger from The Vineyard came second, while Antonino Camilleri from the Medlar in London and Pierre Brunelli from The Fat Duck in Berkshire took joint third place.

Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs commented: “Year on year we see such a high standard of competitors but this year has truly set the bar high for 2015. With four finalists it was a hard decision for the judges to make as each competitor demonstrated real passion, ability and knowledge. We have no doubt all four will continue to achieve great success and wish Tanguy all the best in the international finals later in the year.”

Martin will have a tough act to follow in the finals in Copenhagen this September, after last year’s winner, Loic Avrill, went on to become international champion.