Sixteen chefs were selected to take part in the competition from across a variety Compass sectors. They were challenged with cooking their own plaice dish, plus a separate traditional chicken pie - with a larder of other ingredients they could choose from to make their dishes their own or serve with accompanying sides.
Contestants were allowed one hour 45 minutes for each dish. The ten finalists will compete for the overall title of Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year. The first round of the competition took place during National Apprenticeship Week.
The finalists are:
- Aisha Joel, Restaurant Associates
- Matthew Cruse, Chartwells
- Amia Fishley, Levy
- Hannah Reed, Levy
- Brooke Hurrell, B&I – Eurest
- Jamie Kennerly-Bradshaw, ESS
- Emilijus Kregzede, Restaurant Associates
- Kieran Henry, B&I – Dine Contract Catering
- Nicole McLean, Chartwells
- Harvey Syrett, Levy UK
Luke Ford, senior operations manager of apprenticeships at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “I love this competition, it really brings out the best in our apprentice chefs that are competing and you can see them learn and develop during the experience. There is no doubt everyone has taken away new learnings. Well, done to everyone who took part and now we can’t wait for the final in April.”