Munkley was determined to ensure young chefs have the opportunity to develop their skills and promote their talent, despite the setbacks caused by Covid-19.

He said: “Since March, the hospitality industry and chefs, young and old, have experienced huge challenges. During times of adversity like this it can be hard to remain focused and think about the future, but the industry will bounce back and I want young chefs to be ready to grab every opportunity they can when that happens.

“We had one of the highest number of entries to the awards this year which highlights how there is a real appetite from young chefs to show us what they can do. I want to support these chefs as much as possible and hope the Graduate Awards helps them to grow in confidence, develop their skills and get their names in the spotlight.”

The kitchen and larder semi-finals will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on Wednesday 16 September and the Pastry Graduates will go to Lakefield Hospitality College, London, during the same week.

Munkley kept in contact with the semi-finalists to ensure they received their briefing packs in May. All the candidates will have a full itinerary and schedule of production in the next fortnight.

For the Graduate Awards 2020 the age limit was extended to 25 to give more young chefs the opportunity to enter.