Scott John-Hodgson, executive chef at Solstice & House of Tides by Kenny Atkinson in Newcastle, has earned a place in the final of National Chef of the Year, putting him among just ten chefs remaining in the running for one of the most prestigious titles in UK hospitality.
Following a highly competitive semi-final stage, Scott has successfully secured a place in the grand final where the country’s leading culinary talent will compete for the opportunity to join an elite group of past winners and have their name written into the history of the competition.
Organised by the Craft Guild of Chefs and judged by some of the industry’s most respected chefs, reaching the final of National Chef of the Year is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in a professional chef’s career.
This year’s finalists were selected following a rigorous judging process that tested creativity, technical skill, flavour, presentation and the ability to perform under pressure. Each chef impressed the judges throughout multiple stages of the competition, earning their place in what promises to be a fiercely contested final.
David Mulcahy, competition director of National Chef of the Year, said: “Reaching the National Chef of the Year final is an outstanding achievement. Every chef who has made it this far has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and professionalism throughout the competition. Year after year, the standard continues to impress the judges, and we look forward to seeing how Scott rises to the challenge on the day.”
Chair of judges and chef patron of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall added: “I’ve been incredibly impressed by the commitment and effort that’s gone into the competition so far. I know how much pressure chefs put themselves under, but also how much they grow and learn from the experience. My advice to Scott is to keep it simple and focus on creating delicious, brilliantly executed dishes rather than trying to overcomplicate things.”
The final of National Chef of the Year will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London on Tuesday 6th October, where the ten finalists will cook against the clock in front of an esteemed panel of judges. The winner will be announced later that evening at a prestigious awards ceremony attended by leading figures from across the hospitality industry.