It’s back! Entries have opened for the Oxford Junior Chef 2024 competition where all new, up-and-coming chefs are encouraged to enter and see if they’ve got what it takes!
Run by City of Oxford Guild of Chefs, the competition aims to encourage newcomers to not only take part but encourage others to join the hospitality industry. READ ABOUT 2023’s COMPETITION HERE
“It’s a great way for new chefs to further their career, push themselves and have some fun,” organiser Ben Gibbons says. “Plus they get to meet their peers and learn some new skills. Previous winners have said the competition changed their lives. We want people to feel proud of that they do.”
‘please share this far and wide with Oxfordshire’s talented junior chefs’
Age doesn’t matter either, the only criteria is for chefs to have less than four years experience in the industry. And with three of the four finalists last year being women, it certainly highlights diversity in the catering industry.
So what’s involved? The competition entrants need to devise and make four different kind of canapés – meat, fish, veggie and vegan which will then be judged under time constraints by a panel of expert chefs. Ten of each canape over three hours on April 3.
One finalist will then be chosen from each category, who will then make their winning canapés at the black-tie City of Oxford Guild of Chefs Gala Dinner on April 13 at Saïd Business School in Oxford.
After serving their winning canapés at the welcome drinks reception for up to 200 guests, the winners will be given their awards and prizes by two internationally renowned chefs, and an overall winner chosen!
The overall winner also receives an award at the OXINABOX Food Awards 2024.
“There was so much hype around last year’s awards so we really hope to encourage lots of new chefs to enter. It’s such a great industry to be in and there are lots of people to guide them through the competition and make it as stress free as possible. So please enter, you have got nothing to lose.”
“And please share far and wide with Oxfordshire’s talented junior chefs,” Ben adds.
Entries must be in by March 1. Enter here! https://www.foodbuy.co.uk/oxford-junior-chef-competition-2024/
