Young Chef Young Waiter southern regional finalists revealed

Winner Tommy Fairhill (centre) and runners up of the southern chef finals at Thames Valley University

After the southern regional finals took place at Thames Valley University (TVU) and the Hotel Verta, London recently, four young chefs and four waiters are to compete with the finalists of the northern regional finals.

They will then go forward to the national finals of The Restaurant Association's Young Chef Young Waiter competition, to be held at Westminster Kingsway College, London on October 20.

The winner of the southern regional chef competition was named as Tommy Fairhall from Galvin at Windows Restaurant, London Hilton on Park Lane.

The runners up were: Luke Fouracre, House of Commons; Michael Tweedie, Lucknam Park, Wiltshire and Mark Stinchcombe, Lucknam Park, Wiltshire.

And the winner of the southern regional waiter competition was named as Sam Ward, of The Ritz.

The runners up for the southern category were: Julien Gardin, The Fat Duck, Bray; Alberto Tommasi, The Waterside Inn, Bray and Thomas Aragones, also from The Fat Duck, Bray.

Among the prizes includes a three-day study visit to Champagne, courtesy of Laurent-Perrier, for all the national finalists. It will educate visitors on the production and service of champagne.

Chairing the judging panel was Bruce Poole of Chez Bruce alongside Adam Byatt of Trinity and Michael Coaker of TVU.

Also on the judging panel was Neal Dove of Hotel Verta, London, Angela Hartnett of Murano, Gary Jones from Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, David Mulcahy of Sodexo and Stephen Williams of The Harwood Arms.

Von Essen Hotels were the headline sponsors for the competition for the second year running this year, along with the Savoy Educational Trust and American Express who were founding sponsors.

New sponsors this year include Nestlé Professional and the National Skills Academy for Hospitality.

Words: Georgiana Ndlovu

« Back to previous page