A CUMBRIAN chef has reached the final of a highly prestigious competition.

Harry Van Lierop from Carlisle reached the UK final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, a global initiative for young chefs.

The bi-annual competition and academy aims to push the boundaries of gastronomy and has the support of some of the most celebrated figures in the industry.

Being selected to compete at the UK final, taking place in London on October 12, means that Harry joins a shortlist of 10 of the UK’s most promising chefs under 30. 

Harry impressed an international judging panel, rising to the top of thousands of applications from all over the world who were inspired to enter the competition to share their vision and connect with the most influential people in the gastronomic world.

Harry is passionate about modern British fine dining, having experienced it from a young age with his family, also in the industry.

Before joining the Roots restaurant in York, Harry kickstarted his career with work experience at L’Enclume – a fine dining restaurant in Cartmell - aged 15.

He was subsequently offered a summer job and an apprenticeship at the restaurant, before being part of the team that won three Michelin stars earlier this year.

Speaking about his nomination, Harry said: “It means so much to get to this stage of such a great competition, I know it is going to be a great experience.

“My family are in the hospitality industry too, which meant I was really fortunate to be immersed in fine dining from such a young age.

“I have since been able to work under some amazing world-class chefs, who have inspired me to take my journey to the next level.”

At the UK final in October, ten finalists will present their signature dishes to the renowned jury panel which will judge the candidates’ signature dishes and select the winners of the four awards.

Judges of the UK competition this year include Jason Atherton, Francesco Mazzei, Lisa Goodwin Allen, Claude Bosi, Sally Abe, Skye Gyngell, Sat Bains.

The Young Chefs announced as official finalists of the four awards will move on to the grand finale that will take place in Milan in 2023.

Throughout the months, each finalist will be accompanied by mentor chefs, who will provide them with guidance on how to improve their signature dishes and support them in their preparation for the international finals.

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