AN AMBITIOUS South Lakeland chef could soon have a prestigious title under his belt when he goes head to head with the country's top young chefs.

Arthur Quin, the 19-year old chef de partie at The Punch Bowl Inn and Restaurant, at Crosthwaite, is one of 16 to reach the finals of British Culinary Foundation Young Chef of the Year.

Hot on the heels of his efforts at the Craft Guild of Chefs Young National Chef of the Year Awards earlier this month – where he finished in 4th place - Arthur will now compete in a cook off against 15 of the country’s top young chefs.

“I really wanted to challenge myself this year so, as well as running cookery demonstrations for the first time at various shows and events around the county, I’ve also entered a few competitions," said Arthur. "Despite the pressure, I actually enjoy the competitions as they give me an opportunity to compare myself to other chefs in the industry.

"They are also great for developing and enhancing skills as well as learning new skills to then bring back to the Punch Bowl, and making it to my second successive national final is just an added bonus.”

The young chefs will have two hours to cook a three-course meal, which must include a fish starter and a pork main course.

Flying the flag for the North West, Arthur will hope to impress judges with a menu of seared scallop, white chocolate and truffle risotto, followed by pork tenderloin, black pudding, damson and creamed cabbage.

He will finish off with a blackcurrant and liquorice soufflé with lemon and tarragon curd.

The finals will take place at University College Birmingham on Monday (November 2).