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The organising team behind North West Young Chef of the Year have taken the decision to postpone the 20th edition of the prestigious competition, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of chef competitors and all related stakeholders amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
 
The competition, held in association with Essential Cuisine, Sous Vide Tools, CHR Equipment and hospitality training provider CPL Online, was to stage three semi-finals between March 25th and April 1st, with a final set for 13th May. Chairman of the judging panel Brian Mellor met with the organising team yesterday, where they took the ‘heart-breaking’ decision to postpone to the autumn. New dates will be announced in the coming weeks.  
 
He said: “This decision has been taken jointly and was made in the interests of the health and safety of everyone involved. We know this will come as a blow to our young contestants – 2020 was a record-breaking year for entries – but we feel it’s the absolute right thing to do. I want to reassure each semi-finalist that, once we are in a position to go again, your place stands and will be honoured. We will see you shine in the bright spotlight of this competition very soon. I very much look forward to that day, and would like to thank everyone – chefs, judges, sponsors, mentors – for their support at this difficult and unprecedented time.”  
 
North West Young Chef of the Year invites chefs, 25 and under, from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria and Shropshire to produce a three-course meal for two featuring local and seasonal produce, on a budget of £25, against the clock.  
 
To keep informed of the very latest developments, search @northwestyoungchef on Instagram or @NWYoungChefComp on Twitter.