Young British Foodie Awards 2014
The awards, which are seeking out ‘the boldest, bravest and most exciting culinary brains in the country’, are open to both professionals and amateurs in the food and drink world, and are looking for ‘originality and passion’ above all.
Lily Vanilli, co-founder of The YBs, said: “In the last two years the YBFs has showcased some of the most talented new chefs, bartenders, baristas and bakers in the UK.
“With British food and drink rising in popularity and acclaim, this new wave of entrepreneurs is challenging convention and revolutionising the way we look at food. The YBFs are about celebrating passion, innovation and creativity and we are very excited to meet this years’ entrants.
“If the calibre of previous years is anything to go by, The YBFs 2014 promises to spotlight something truly inspirational."
The categories are:
- Alcohol - judged by Tony C
- Street-Food - judged by Petra Barran, Nicola Smith and Claire Kelsey
- Experiential - judged Bompas and Parr and Alexa Perrin
- Baking - judged by Lily Vanilli and Daniel Stevens
- Meat - judged by James George and Richard Turner
- Chefs - judged by Nuno Mendes
- Food Writing - judged by Marina O’Loughlin
- Coffee - judged by Tim Williams and Marco Arrigo
- Honorary - judged by The YBF Founders
Winners will receive the help and support they need to achieve their foodie ambitions, as well as the opportunity to show off their skills at the Awards evening.
Jack Bevan of The Ethicurean, Somerset, who won the alcohol category last year, said: “Itwas an honour to win the alcohol category and a fine way to meet the brilliant individuals in my field.
“The chance to develop a drink for the awards was an incentive to delve deep into my knowledge and the result was a true test of my skills.”
Entries close in July. Visit www.the-ybfs.com for details.
Rising talent
Meanwhile, the Hot Talent 2014 awards, supported by BigHospitality, are also seeking entries.
The awards will reward hospitality’s most dedicated under-30s and this year a front-of-house champion and back-of-house champion will be crowned.
The back-of-house winner will get the chance to work with chef Ben Spalding on his new venture, Creative Belly, while the front-of-house winner will be given a work placement with hospitality consultant and trainer Esher Williams.
Both winners will also be sent on a two-day study tour at award sponsor Villeroy & Boch’s Luxembourg headquarters.
To find out more and enter, visit the Hot Talent 2014 website.
Apprenticeship week
The launch of YBF has coincided with National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive effect they have on the UK economy.
Businesses across the hospitality industry have been getting involved, offering placements and encouraging young people to consider a job in pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.
London Mayor Boris Johnson vowed to create 7,000 new hospitality and catering apprenticeship positions in the city by the end of 2016.
Watch BigHospitality’s National Apprenticeship Week video here.
