Testing candidates against “the standard of excellence set by the judges,” the examination is open to full-time chefs, pastry chefs and waiters between the ages of 20 and 26 in the UK, and is designed to recognise and encourage the industry’s “most talented and ambitious.”

With all candidates able to achieve the award, over 550 young professionals have been rewarded since the Annual Awards of Excellence began in 1983, and there is also the chance to take home the Young Chef, Young Pastry Chef and Young Waiter of the Year 2018 titles for those who score the highest in each category.

To enter, please visit: http://royalacademyofculinaryarts.org.uk/what-we-do/annual-award-of-excellence/ by 31 January.