Two Essex pubs are aiming to bridge the industry's skills gap by launching a reality-TV inspired search for young chefs.
Combining elements of 'Hells Kitchen' and 'The Apprentice', contenders will take part in a one-day cookery course to learn the basics of pub food, which will be followed by an evening service.
This will see where the team will cook for specially invited guests, who will judge their meal for its quality and presentation.
The contest was the idea of Diana and James Donoghue, owners of the Pheasant, at Gestingthorpe. They have invited fellow licensee Mitch Adams, owner of the Thatchers Arms, Mount Bures, to join in.
The two best contestants will be offered kitchen 'apprenticeships' with each pub, with the aim of going on to gain professional qualifications.
Mitch said: "We serve freshly cooked local produce, and the main hurdle we have to overcome is finding chefs.
"The irony is that we are only a few miles from Colchester, which boasts one of the best catering colleges in the country - unfortunately all our home grown talent is whisked off to London or Padstein."