For the fourth time in nine years, the UK has proven it is a force to be reckoned in the drinks world as Mathias Camilleri from Medlar, London was crowned the 2015 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Young Sommelier of the Year. Pitting his skills against 13 peers from around the world, in Adelaide, Australia Camilleri, 24, took the top spot for his ‘sophisticated understanding of food and wine amtching and ‘exceptional service skills.’ Judges were headed by the CEO of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Brian Julyan and Philip Evins Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs said of Camilleri’s win: “This is an exceptionally talented young man who consistently shone through. He certainly didn’t have an easy ride, the standard of the competition was one of the highest ever and we applaud his skill and that of his mentor at Medlar, which is one of the outstanding restaurants that London – renowned as the foodie capital of the world – has to offer” All young people entering the Chaîne Competitions are carefully tutored by top experts in the field to ensure they have the skills, and confidence, to complete on an International stage throughout the gruelling challenges. Each competitor is tested on theory, service and blind tasting, which requires the contestants to demonstrate extreme composure and confidence as they competed under pressure. The standard for this year was said to be so high that the judges found it ‘near impossible’ to pick a winner. Evins added: “We have an exceptional pool of young talent and it gives every senior professional member of the Chaîne great pleasure, and pride, to support them to become the Hospitality visionaries of tomorrow that will drive further innovation. It’s a delight to be able to facilitate this and keep fresh, young talent within the sector. “The achievements of all UK competitors is testament to the development opportunities that have arisen from initiative such as the Young Professionals Awards. I – on behalf of the Chaîne - would like to congratulate Mathias on his well-deserved win which will serve as a fantastic inspiration to other ambitious young sommeliers.” The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has established a reputation for supporting and promoting young professionals within the hospitality sector.
The celebrated Young Sommelier of the Year competition has been running for nine years in the UK, with an aim to help enhance and maintain the exceptionally high standard within the hospitality sector.
It is part of the wider ‘Young Professionals’ Initiative, which includes a chef competition for rising kitchen stars. In 2016 the UK will host the International Final of the Young Chef of the Year Competition, in recognition of the contribution the country makes to global culinary innovation.