With a final planned for November 17th, the competition for 2020 is open to young chefs and waiters under the age of 26 and this year includes those who may be temporarily unable to work or been furloughed from their present roles due to Covid-19.

The competition was re-launched in 2019 by The Nth Degree Global in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association.

President of the Restaurant Association and founder of The Nth Degree Global, Robert Walton said: ““I’m delighted to launch Young Chef Young Waiter for 2020 online as I believe it is the perfect competition at the perfect time.

“We are living in extraordinary times, when all our restaurants are closed and the industry has paused while this crisis unfolds.

“I am optimistic by nature and want to do my best to offer hope for the future to all the young workers in the hospitality industry.

“So many of our talented young chefs and young waiters are at home right now so this is the time when they now need events and activities to keep them inspired, tested and challenged within the hospitality sector.”

Michelin star chef Theo Randall, proprietor of Theo Randall at the Intercontinental has been once again confirmed as head chef judge alongside hospitality consultant Simon King, previously at The Fat Duck Group and JKS Group, who joins once again as head waiter judge.

Entries close on September 1st, after which a short-list of 32 finalists of 16 chefs and 16 waiters will be selected. Anyone interested can find out more by visiting: https://youngchefyoungwaiter.com/

The competition is sponsored by Arla Pro, Unilever Food Solutions, the Cayman Islands and Alpha Rewards.