A TALENTED chef at the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe has been named Chef of the Year 2019.

Amelia was crowned the winner of the competition at University College Birmingham.

She said: “I cannot believe that I’ve won the competition! It’s been such an amazing experience and I feel extremely lucky.

“I’m really looking forward to learning some new skills. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”

The prize includes £750, and experience in Bristol’s award-winning restaurant Woky Ko, alongside its chef and restaurateur Larkin Cen who was one of the judges.

Amelia, originally from Basingstoke, beat 14 others for the top spot, with second place going to Sophie Botting who works at the House of Commons and third place to Ryan Hyslop from South and City College (Bournville Campus).

The judges included president of the British Culinary Federation Peter Griffiths MBE and Michelin-starred Chef Glynn Purnell.

Wing Yip sponsosred the award and its director Ennevor Yap said: “Huge congratulations to Amelia.

“She is a thoroughly worthy winner and impressed the judges with her ability to showcase unique flavour and authentic culinary technique.”

This year competitors had to create a traditional street-food dish and main course of their choice served in a bowl. Amelia’s winning entry was black sesame bao bun with crispy challons duck and Spiced Plum followed by Huntsham Farm Pork and prawn wontons served with egg noodles, lotus root, pak choi, Chinese leaf, pork and shitake broth.

The annual competition was begun in 2012 by the Oriental grocery chain and is designed to celebrate the talent among chefs aged between 18 and 25.

Peter Griffiths said: “Culinary competitions are so important to our industry and they help to build up the experience of budding chefs everywhere no matter what stage in their career or studies.”

Amelia added: I’m really looking forward to learning some new skills. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”