Event organiser Montgomery Group wanted to ensure they are still proving an opportunity for chefs around the country to develop and showcase their skills. The competitors will be able to stream a series of ‘masterclasses’ designed to enhance their skill progression.

Nick Vadis, culinary director at Compass Group UK & Ireland who are the principal partner of the competition, said: “After what has been an extremely tough year for our industry it has become clear that having a goal to work towards is imperative to staying positive during challenging times.

“We jumped at the chance to take part in helping our community rebuild confidence and we are looking forward to shining a light on the plethora of budding talent that may not have been seen this year.”

The Worshipful Company of Cooks and Tilda are also sponsors of the 2021 International Salon Culinaire. Custom Culinary are sponsoring the Plant Forward Challenge where plant-based ingredients are the ’favour hero’. The Craft Guild of Chefs are supporting the virtual competition, which will take place simultaneously at multiple colleges across the country.

Steve Munkley, Salon Culinaire chef director, added: “After the impact of the pandemic on our industry, what better time to organise some live cooking and virtually run competitions, showcasing them on our website and on all our digital channels to lift people’s spirits!

“The Hospitality industry, but especially chefs are very resilient, so let’s make Salon Culinaire 2021 as special as it was in March 2020 at ExCeL, London.”

A schedule of competitions and the 2021 entry form is available to view now on the brand-new Salon Culinaire website here.