The grand finals of the Young Commis Chef Competition in Great Britain took place on Wednesday 11 June in Le Cordon Bleu School in London, and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is delighted to announce Robert Taylor as its winner.

Robert, aged 26, from Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon, Yorkshire, faced a series of rigorous tests. Each contestant was given an identical, previously undisclosed ‘market basket’ containing basic ingredients. Using these ingredients, plus a variety of staple ingredients from the pantry, contestants composed and executed a three-course menu. To ensure complete secrecy and objectivity, contestants were identified by number only rather than name.

Having been placed third in last year’s national final, it is a great testament to his love of food and cooking and hard work and dedication that Robert has succeeded this year.

The results are:

First place – Robert Taylor (Swinton Park, Ripon, Yorkshire Bailliage)

Second place – Peter Clarke (Imperial Hotel, Yarmouth, Anglia Bailliage)

Third place – Jonathan Millar (Cringletie House, Peebles, Scotland Bailliage)

Robert will go on to represent Great Britain at the International Final in Paris on 19 September 2008.