In 2020, one of the toughest years facing the restaurant industry, M Restaurants announced that the 4th ‘Young Chef of the Year’ competition will be held this year.

According to the statement, “Drive and reinforce morale in the hospitality industry at a time when it needs it most” young chefs between the ages of 18 and 29 will compete to become the UK’s best young chef, with previous winners including Matthew Hurry of Laurent Café Royal, and Hamish Pearce of Pidgin. To enter, cooks should submit a four-course menu of their own design to M by Monday July 13, which will be judged on its quality as well as its approach to sustainability, ethical produce sourcing and zero waste. These menus will initially be judged my M’s Culinary Director Michael Reid.

According to Standard UK, Successful entrants will then cook into competitive heats happening in London on the week beginning July 20, with another happening on July 27 in Leeds. From there, 25 chefs will be chosen, with each hosting a pop-up night hosted at M Restaurants and judged by industry figures including Adam Handling, James Knappett, food writer Romy Gill and the Standard’s David Ellis. Those with successful pop-ups will make a final gala dinner on November 2, where a winner will be named, who will receive coaching from Chef Reid and work experience at any one of the restaurants the judges are involved with. M Founder and CEO Martin Williams said: “We are delighted to be entering the fourth year of M’s Young Chef of the Year competition, which during this time is more important than ever. We recognise that now more than ever is the time to celebrate, champion and support young talent. Let the search begin!”