The announcement was made at an exclusive dinner held at Quaglino’s and hosted by Bocuse d’Or global equipment sponsors, Manitowoc.

Brian Turner, Team UK President and juor has headed the UK team for almost as many years as the Bocuse d’Or has existed. The competition has grown over the years with 60 countries now entering.

Turner said: “The Bocuse d’Or is the world’s most prestigious chef competition and taking part is the pinnacle of any chef’s career. However, despite impressive performances in recent years, the UK still lags behind in terms of awareness.

“Setting up the Bocuse d’Or Academy and bidding to bring the Bocuse d’Or Europe here is our endeavour to give it the attention it deserves. The European final is a fantastic platform to showcase our world class hospitality and with the right support we can make it the best ever.”

Andy Daniels, culinary lead at Manitowoc Foodservice E-IMEA (Europe, India, Middle East and Africa), said: “Manitowoc has a strong and established support for the Bocuse d’Or Competition globally and we are also proud to hold strong links with the UK team, as with other teams.

“We are particularly excited around the commitment from the UK to bring the European Selection to London in 2018. Looking back at Stockholm last May, I can’t think of a better way to showcase our industry to the rest of the world. The bid, coupled with the announcement for the Bocuse d’Or National Academy will lay firm foundation for the future of UK cutting edge chefs.”

Simon Bartley, President World Skills International, has been recruited to lead the big to host the European final in London in 2018. He will be supported by Nick Vadis, culinary director of Compass Group UK & Ireland and vice chair of the UK Academy.

In order to host the European final requires a commitment bond of €500,00 and Bocuse d’Or UK will be seeking large corporate sponsors to help raise the necessary funds.

Setting up the Bocuse d’Or Academy is being driven by Andreas Antona, chef patron of Simpsons Edgbaston and The Cross Kenilworth. Antona has been appointed chari of the UK Academy and will be responsible for transforming the UK team into a professional organisation.

He is looking to bring on board high profile chef ambassadors, including previous candidates to share culinary ideas, spread awareness and secure the support needed.

The Bocuse d’Or Academy will be a not-for-profit organisation and the team is currently seeking supporters to join the likes of ACT Clean which, as a Gold Sponsor, has committed to substantial financial help over the next four years.

The Bocuse d’Or, founded in 1987, takes place at SIRHA - a hotel catering and food trade exhibition, where 24 countries, 12 on day one and 12 on day two, each produce a fish dish and a meat dish with three garnishes, presented to a jury of judges.