The Exmoor Young Chef Competition is returning for its third year, aiming to inspire young culinary talents across the Greater Exmoor area.

Organised by Minehead Rotary Club, Visit-Exmoor, and Butlins, and sponsored by Bidfood, the event will take place at West Somerset College in Minehead on October 5, 2024.

Local professional chefs will mentor the young contestants, helping them hone their skills and refine their menus. Up to 10 entrants will be selected to present a three-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients to impress the judges.

Last year’s winner, Katrina Nightingale from Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe, showcased exceptional talent and went on to become the runner-up in the National Rotary Young Chef competition. This year’s competition promises to be equally exciting, offering young chefs a platform to shine and develop their culinary careers.

Katrina said: "Entering the competition was such an enjoyable experience. I got the chance to have a local chef to be my mentor which was a great opportunity to improve my  skills and learn new techniques relevant to my dishes." 

"Everybody was so friendly and supportive and it was great to see the other contestants' ideas and completed dishes, as well as the large variety of local produce available in the Exmoor area."  

The competition is open to aspiring chefs aged 13 to 17, and entries for participants need to submit their applications by June 30, 2024.

Details and application forms are available on the Visit Exmoor website at https://bit.ly/ExmoorYoungChef2024.