As testament to celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, two of the chefs making the final are Luke Selby and Josh Bingham who both work at his restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.

All the finalists will now be invited to take part in ‘foodie’ trips with Craft Guild chefs in preparation for the final cook-off at the University of West London on September 5, with judges including renowned chef Paul Gayler as chairman of examiners.

This year’s successful graduates will be announced in front of a host of influential guests at an awards presentation at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Towers Hotel on September 16.

The finalists are:
Ross McMillan, Stirling Management Centre
Claire Willett, The Waterfront Restaurant at Wyboston Lakes
Luke Selby, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
Josh Bingham, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
Michael York, The New Ellington
Daniel Lee, Brooklands Hotel
Louise Roberts, Berwin Leighton Paisner (Lexington Catering)
Danny Hoang, Viajante

Now in their 11th year, the Graduate Awards offer working chefs under the age of 23 the chance to demonstrate their skills. As an indicator of the level of excellence candidates require, just five out of 12 candidates passed last year’s final exam and achieved the 85% needed to make the Craft Guild’s roll of honour.

Graduates win a European study tour, while the highest achiever receives an additional special prize. There is also an employers’ trophy for excellence in training.

Sponsors for 2013 are: AAK Foodservice, CCS, Essential Cuisine, Gram, James Knight of Mayfair, Meiko, Reynolds Catering Supplies, Savoy Educational Trust, The London Meat Company, Villeroy & Boch and Warner Hotels (Bourne Leisure Group).