The theme is the ‘Evolution of the Modern British Restaurant’ and all menus will feature the best of British ingredients including Seafood from Scotland, English Lamb and Yorkshire Rhubarb.

Vicky Enderson, chair of judges, commented: "We have already received a record number of entries this year and we will now have to make some very difficult decisions when selecting our eight teams for the semi-finals".

The closing date for entries is Thursday 16th January at midnight. Teams selected for the competition will be announced on Monday 19 January. For further details visit: www.restaurantcompetition.co.uk.