Designed to “identify and encourage excellence in professional food and beverage services,” the awards – now in their second year – were open to anyone working full-time at a team management level in UK food and beverage services, in the hospitality industry.

Battling for one of three places in the final, the 2018 semi-finalists are as below:

• Jorge Pacheco - head chef of El Inca Plebeyo (Islington)
• Andras Lakesi - food and drink manager at The Principal (London)
• Jatin Parmar - Old Hall food and beverage manager at Rockliffe Hall (County Durham)
• Antoine Sahyoun - food and beverage manager at the Victory Services Club (London)
• Jaroslava Vankova - functions supervisor at St John's College (Cambridge)
• Kieran McLoughlin - general manager at Hide, Piccadilly (London)

Réunion president Wallace Vincent said: "It is only our second year of running this award and after the success of last year, the calibre and number of entries is clearly going from strength to strength.  We are pleased at the regional spread of the entries too.

"The shortlisted candidates have been invited to meet the (judging) panel in person for individual interviews next month at the Institute of Directors (IoD). Afterwards they will enjoy a reception and lunch together with the judges and given a tour of the IoD."

This year’s winner will be announced at the Annual Banquet in November, where they will be awarded their prize including: Associate membership of the Réunion des Gastronomes for two years as well as the mentoring and networking opportunities that it provides; invitations to attend five Gastronome events; four two-day placements across different industry sectors;

Vincent added: "The total prize value for the winner is believed to be worth in excess of £3,000, but the mentoring and potential career enhancement presented is inestimable.

“Last year's winner, Raúl Martinez of The Arts Club, has just completed the first of his stages. The first was at The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane, and the second will be at The Grosvenor House."