DANIEL McGeorge, head chef at Ambleside’s Rothay Manor Hotel, has cooked his way to the semi-finals of the 2019 Craft Guild’s National Chef of the Year competition in June.

He impressed the Craft Guild's judges by designing a spring/summer menu consisting of an egg dish starter, served hot; a beef main course featuring two cuts with two cooking methods; and a chocolate tart with seasonal fruits.

Daniel's Modern English-style cookery has been credited with earning a third AA Rosette for the Rothay Manor, which is run by husband and wife Jamie and Jenna Shail.

Along with nine other chefs, he will take part in his heat in Sheffield on June 11, under the watchful eye of top chefs including Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Josh Overington, Alyn Williams, James ‘Jocky’ Petrie, Hywel Jones, Ben Tish and Stephen Terry.

The finals are to take place at The Restaurant Show on October 1.

Daniel said: "It’s amazing to be recognised by the Craft Guild in this way, especially alongside so many other talented competitors.

"I worked very hard on coming up with the menu ideas which secured me a place in the semi-finals and I’ll be going for it 110 per cent.

"Working for Rothay Manor has been a huge help too, as thanks to major recent refurbishment work on the kitchen and restaurant I’ve really been given a great set of tools and amazing surroundings in which to hone my craft.

"However it turns out, I’d like to say a huge thanks to Jamie and Jenna for putting their faith in me.”

Hotel manager Jamie said: "Daniel is responsible for the Rothay Manor’s recently upgraded AA Rosette rating, from two to three.

"Daniel’s menu, described as Modern English, perfectly complements our hotel’s traditional yet contemporary feel and has made it one of only a handful of establishments to hold the triple rosette accolade.

"We’re very proud of Daniel both professionally and personally and we wish him the very best of luck next month.”