Local business Apetito sees one Development Chef reach National Chef of the Year Grand Final.

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Jethro Lawrence who works for Apetito, Trowbridge was one of forty chefs who battled in the Semi-Final to reach the Grand Final, which also sees chefs such as Carl Cleghorn of Tyme by Carl Cleghorn, Katie Morgan of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and Ruth Hansom-Rigby of Hansom Restaurant.

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We spoke to Jethro who said that there was an incredible elating feeling. 'When I saw the brief, I said that this would be the last year that I entered. Having reached the finals for the last two years, making it a 3rd is just incredible!' 

Jethro followed up with some thanks for those around him; 'My employer Apetito, my head development chef Phil Rimmer, and NPD head Tim Charles have supported me every step of the way and couldn't have asked for more!' 

He finished with 'My wife Samantha is without doubt my biggest critic, and kicks my ass to better every time !' 

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The judging panel featured some of the country's most talented chefs such as Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Gary Hunter & James Sommerin.

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The task in semi's was to make a hot or cold pre-dessert, which focused on either a seasonal fruit or vegetable; although it was a dessert, the dish did not have to be sweet, as some chose savoury, and all encased skills and inspiration from their journey within the industry.

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The ten finalists now go on to the Head-to-Head Final, held on the7th October at the University of West London, before the winner is revealed at the awards evening at the Hippodrome Casino in London's Leicester Square.

 

 

Previous winners of the NCOTY include Simon Hulstone, Luke Selby, Alyn Williams & Gordon Ramsay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture credits to Getty Images, Jethro Lawrence, NCTOY,