Former Kenilworth School pupil makes it through to semi-finals of national culinary competition

A former Kenilworth School pupil who is now a chef has reached the semi-finals of a national culinary competition.

Mattie Tew, of the Royal Navy Culinary Arts Team is one of 40 chefs still in the running to take one of the most sought-after titles in the British culinary scene.

Mattie grew up in Baginton and went to Kenilworth School before joining the Royal Navy.

He made it through the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year competition after creating a three course menu which impressed Michelin- starred chef, Kenny Atkinson, who leads the judging panel.

Now in a bid to take one of the top ten spots, Mattie must create a short video, to present an amuse bouche style signature dish that reflects his own favourite style of cooking or cuisine. The videos should explain what the dish is, why it is important to the chef and how it links to the theme.

Chefs will also answer some questions posed by chair of judges, Kenny Atkinson who wants to know more about their original entry and what winning would mean to them.

Once all the entries have been received a new panel of judges will whittle them down to ten finalists to compete in the cook-off at Le Cordon Bleu in September.

Mattie said: “I am very humbled to be in the semi-finals, competing amongst some of the industry’s best chefs and to do this under the Royal Navy banner sends a good message to RN chefs who have the same passion in the future.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the competition and the judges are looking for the next person to follow in the footsteps of recent champions Thomas Swaby, Nick Smith and Steve Groves.

National Chef of the Year was first run in 1972 and winners in the last fifty years have also included Gordon Ramsay, Simon Hulstone and Alyn Williams.

The winner will receive the most sought-after chef title in the UK and they will take home prizes including culinary experiences, equipment and trips away.