A CHEF from Barry is set to face off against seven other finalists next week, as he strives to be crowned the National Chef of Wales.

John Quill, 45, of JQ Catering Services LTD in Barry will compete in the Welsh International Culinary Championships flagship event, as all of the nation’s culinary competitions are brought together in one venue for the first time.

The four-day event, which takes place in Rhos-on-Sea, will see more than 350 chefs from across Wales and England competing in a variety of categories.

In addition to the National and Junior Chef of Wales finals and the Battle for the Dragon contest, there will be the culinary finals of Skills Competition Wales and the Major International Regional Competition.

The event concludes on Thursday (February 15) with the prestigious National Chef of Wales final, which sees eight chefs compete in morning and afternoon heats. They will be given three hours to prepare and cook a three-course menu for four people using Welsh ingredients wherever possible.

In addition to the coveted title, the national chef winner will receive a study tour with Koppert Cress, £250 worth of Churchill products and an engraved set of knives made by Friedr Dick.

Winners of the showpiece competitions will be announced at a presentation dinner at Llandudno Bay Hotel on Thursday night.