The YCYW competition is celebrating 40 years in the UK and it aims to promote hospitality as a potential career choice. The judging panel for this year includes head chef judge Theo Randall, head waiter judge Simon King, Jason Atherton, Emily Roux, Claude Bosi, Ruth Hansom, Tom Aikens, Andy Downton, Johanna Wimmer, James Fleming and Jenifer Santner.

Atherton from The Social Company, said: “I’m so pleased to be involved in this year’s Young Chef Young Waiter and to help promote the hospitality industry to young people.

“It’s fast-paced and hectic but a rewarding exciting industry to be a part of and this competition is a great way for young people to start out.”

The competition was established in 1979 and Nth Degree Global has relaunched it in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association.

Roux, one of the judges for the YCYW competition, added: “Without the passion and determination of young chefs and young waiters there would be no future for our industry.

“There’s nothing quite like working in hospitality and to succeed you have to have a certain level of grit and ambition. This competition gives young talent the opportunity to stand out amongst the others and prove what an exciting and special industry ours is to work in.”

Entry is open to those who are 26-years-old or under on 29 October 2019. Entrants can take part if they’re currently employed in the role of chef or waiter and have been employed for three years or more in the hospitality profession.

A shortlist of 20 chefs and 20 waiters will be selected. The finalists will take part in a live competition on 28 and 29 September to impress the judges. The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony on 29 October at a London venue.

Santner, South Place Hotel, commented: “Entering competitions such as YCYW has developed me personally and professionally and has pushed my career to the next level.

“It is a great opportunity for young talents to stand out and show others what an exciting industry we work in. This course is all about education and learning from other young professionals whilst working alongside the legends of our industry.”

Judges for the YCYW competition

Chef Judges:

• Theo Randall (head chef judge)
• Emily Roux
• Jason Atherton
• Tom Kerridge
• Jeff Galvin
• Clare Smyth MBE
• Tom Aikens
• Ruth Hansom
• Claude Bosi
• Chris Galvin
• Sanjay Dwivedi
• Merlin Labron-Johnson
• Antonio Salvatore
• Mathew Ryle

Waiter judges:

• Simon king (head waiter judge)
• Johanna Wimmer
• Andrew McKenzie
• Jennifer Santner
• Andy Downton
• Beatrice Bessi
• James Fleming
• Demi Leivadas

For additional information on the judges for the YCYW competition, visit: https://youngchefyoungwaiter.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=befb33f4f631dae57c6ccc5ae&id=b70f879028&e=06bcb7618b