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Following the cancellation of North West Young Chef Competition in 2020, the judging panel and lead sponsor, Essential Cuisine, have made the decision to return bigger and better in 2022. 

The 20th contest was set to be the biggest event yet, with record breaking entries.  Sadly, due to the impact of COVID 19 on hospitality, the decision was made to put the competition on hold. People working in hospitality need time to rebuild businesses following the impact of the past 12 months, so the return of the competition has been delayed until January 2022. 

Chairman of judges, Brian Mellor, himself a hospitality business owner, has experienced first-hand the impact the last year has had on people. During a discussion with the organisers, Brian said “We need to allow people time to re-establish their businesses, pick up their knives and get back into the flow of kitchen life. We need to support the hospitality industry and give them time to re-adjust to the new government guidelines.” 

“Although it was a tough decision not to return this year, we know it is the right thing to do. We continue to reassure each semi-finalist that, when we return in 2022, their place stands and will be honoured. We cannot wait to let them shine in the spotlight and thank them for their patience. We are excited, now more than ever, to see what they will bring to the table.” 

Lead sponsor Essential Cuisine and Brian Mellor would like to thank all the loyal sponsors and business partners: SousVideTools.com, CHR, CPL Training, RD Wines, Villeroy and Boch, Robinsons Brewery, Oliver Harvey.  

To keep informed of the very latest developments, follow @northwestyoungchef on Instagram or @NWYoungChefComp on Twitter.