The full list of entries was whittled down by a panel of expert judges, including Adam Handling, of Adam Handling Restaurant Group; Simon King, of Igniting Hospitality; and Anna Sebastian, of Anna Sebastian Hospitality Consulting.

Since being established in 1979, Young Chef Young Waiter has become a firm fixture on the UK hospitality industry calendar, with groups of talented young chefs and waiters competing each year to be named the UK’s Young Chef or Young Waiter winner. This year, the competition extends its remit into mixology for the first time, with the Young Mixologist of the Year mantel also up for grabs.

Young Chef Young Waiter England head chef judge Adam Handling said: “2023 marks my third year as head chef judge for Young Chef Young Waiter England, and I’m thrilled Robert, Sean, and the team have asked me to come back again.

“Setting the challenges and working with the finalists as they work tirelessly to cook exceptionally creative dishes with the fantastic ingredients provided is very rewarding. I’m so glad to be able to coach our young chefs in this way.”

The finalists in each category include:

Chefs:

• Megan Drayson, Bowleys at The Plough
• Benjamin Mabley, Hartwell House Hotel & Spa
• Charlie Greatbanks, The Bird at Birtle
• Joshua Singer, Scott’s Richmond
• Sebastian Brooks, Csons Shrewsbury

Waiters:

• Cole Ford, Lympstone Manor Michael Caines Collection
• Jade Walker, The Ritz London
• Oscar Eve-Howard, The Hand and Flowers Marlow
• Joel Knotman, Coworth Park Ascot
• Mia Lane Learoyd, Northcote Hote

Mixologists:

• Niamh Preedy, Northcote Hotel
• Charlie Harrison, The Savoy Grill
• Declan Wilkins, The Hand and Flower Marlow