Pub chefs through to CGC semi-final

Three pub chefs have got through to the semi finals of the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year 2011.

Marcus Bean, chef owner of the New Inn in Baschurch, Shrewsbury, Pratap Chahal, head chef of the Peasant in Angel, London and Paul Anthony Cunliffe, head chef of the Crown Hotel in Exmoor will all cook in the semi-finals in early September.

Forty chef in all will be pitted against each other to impress the judges with the winners going through to a live final cook-off to be held at the Restaurant Show at Earls Court 2, London, on 11 October.

Atul Kochhar, a twice Michelin-starred chef and chef patron of Benares Restaurant, and Chris Galvin, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane, are among the ambassador judges at the event.

The winner's prize is worth over £15,000 and includes a study trip to France, courtesy of Lockharts one of the headline sponsors of this year's event, plus wine tasting in the Hermitage region and dinner at a three-starred Michelin restaurant.

"I'm delighted to be a part of this prestigious culinary competition once again," said Kochhar. "The opportunity for chefs to showcase their ability is of vital importance to the growth of our industry."

Glavin added: "The National Chef of the Year really pushes competitors to the limit and helps chefs realise their ambition. It is a true lesson in excellence, an opportunity to showcase their talent and above all the ultimate award in the world of chefs."