Junior Sous Chef Jonny Smith places 3rd at the Young National Chef of the Year 2024

November 2023

We are delighted to announce that our Junior Sous Chef Jonny Smith has placed 3rd at the Craft Guild of Chefs, Young National Chef of the Year 2024. 

As the winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards 2023, Jonny was automatically entered into the final of the Young National Chef of the Year 2024 competition. The initial challenge in the final required Jonny to answer a series of questions about the vision he had for the dishes he intended to create and cook.

On Wednesday 6th September, Jonny was then invited on a unique opportunity to Waitrose's headquarters for a Mentor Day. Here he was welcomed to the 'Food Innovation Studio' with the head judges, his fellow contestants and previous winners of the competition.

Prior to the main event, each contestant engaged in a skills test, showcasing their ability to prepare a Norwegian Cod. This was then to be used as the main component in their starter dish. 

Finally, the last round of the competition unfolded at the University of West London on Tuesday 10th October. Each contestant was tasked with creating two versions of a three course menu in a two hour time frame. The focal point of the main course was around the provenance of the Duck, whilst the dessert challenged the creation of a modern take of the Manchester Tart. Once their time was up, all dishes were then submitted to the judges to taste and score. 

Finishing the day off, Jonny then attended the Awards evening at The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square, where he was presented with his third place prize. A huge congratulations to Jonny and all of the other fantastic contestants. 

Slow Cooked Cod Loin, Squid Ink Raviolo, Caviar & Kingscote Velouté

Roasted Sladesdown Farm Duck with Spiced Carrot

Manchester Tart, Coconut Meringue, Raspberry & Yuzu Granita