A CHEF who started his career training in Colchester is hoping his skills in the kitchen will help his lockdown-inspired dishes come out on top and see him crowed the best in the business.

James Burton, who trained at Colchester Institute between 2006 and 2008, is taking part in the National Chef of the Year competition.

James, 32, created a menu telling his story of the pandemic through food as part of his quest to make the semi-finals.

For chefs across the country the last 12 months have proved testing with restaurants forced to close multiple times due to lockdown. 

James’ three-course meal wowed the judges, including Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth, to help him into the next round.

It saw him create a vegetarian starter incorporating ingredients on the Knorr Future 50 Foods list such as beetroot and walnut, which have been identified as having a positive impact on the environment.

His main course focused on supporting British suppliers on land and at sea with a pork, langoustine and cauliflower dish.

His dessert had to reflect the start of the pandemic when ingredients were sparse, and he was inspired by his gran’s tiramisu.

James, who is now a sous chef at London’s Savoy Grill, has set his sights on making the final and claiming the top spot.

Ahead of the final James is working on a small signature dish of his choice.

The semi-finalists have been asked to sum up their pandemic year in just two to three bites.

Judges will be looking for a dish which reflects each chef’s personality and tells a story.

James, who completed Colchester Institute’s professional chefs programme, said: “It is an amazing achievement to make the semi-finals after the 18 months most chefs have been through, having our restaurant doors closed for so long, but even after all the challenges, I wanted to challenge myself personally by entering this competition.

“Making the semi-final is great but I want to win.

“Winning would mean everything to me. It would prove all these years of hard work were worth it to be where I am today.”

The National Chef of the Year launched in 1972 and previous winners include Gordon Ramsay.

Judge Paul Ainsworth said: “All the judges were really impressed with the standard of entries we received this year.

“This is still a challenging time for chefs with staff shortages, restrictions and isolation, but you could see the thought and effort that had gone into each of their menus.

“To enter such a tough competition in these circumstances shows ambition and a true determination to succeed. With the list of chefs we have in this round, I know it’s going to be an incredible top ten.”

The top ten chefs will be revealed live on the Craft Guild of Chefs Instagram page by chair of judges, Paul Ainsworth and organiser of the competition, David Mulcahy on Thursday, August 12.