Ryedale restaurant chef secures place in National Chef of the Year final
Tom Heywood, head chef and owner at Scawton’s Pignut & The Hare, has earned a final place among just nine other chefs for the prestigious hospitality title.
Organised by the Craft Guild of Chefs and judged by some of the industry’s most respected professionals, the grand final will see the country’s leading culinary talent compete for what is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in a professional chef’s career.
This year’s finalists were selected following a rigorous judging process that tested creativity, technical skill, flavour, presentation and the ability to perform under pressure.
David Mulcahy, competition director of National Chef of the Year, said: “Reaching the final is an outstanding achievement.
"Year after year, the standard continues to impress the judges, and we look forward to seeing how Tom rises to the challenge on the day.”
Chair of judges and chef patron of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall said that he has been impressed by the commitment and effort that’s gone into the competition, adding: “I know how much pressure chefs put themselves under, but also how much they grow and learn from the experience.”
“My advice to Tom is to keep it simple and focus on creating delicious, brilliantly executed dishes rather than trying to overcomplicate things.”
The final of National Chef of the Year will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London on Tuesday October 6, where the ten finalists will cook against the clock in front of an esteemed panel of judges.
The winner will be announced later that evening at an awards ceremony attended by leading figures from across the hospitality industry.