THE head chef of a pub in Dummer has been shortlisted as a national finalist in the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year competition.

Gordon Stott, head chef of the Sun Inn, has been nominated for the award in the under 30’s Young Chef category by North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse.

The award, in its second year, sought nominations from MPs across the country in the search for the most skilled and talented pub chefs.

Gordon will join eight finalists at a cook-off event in Hospitality House, a bespoke training venue in London, on January 24.

They will cook for judges before winners are announced at an award ceremony in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 7 February.

Gordon said: “I’m delighted to be nominated for the second year in a row by my local MP. This competition helps to shine a light on what it means to be a pub chef and the incredible quality of food being served in pubs all over the UK. Being a good pub chef takes hard work and dedication and I’m thrilled to be recognised for this and to represent the constituency.”

The young chef will have to impress a panel of expert judges included Paul Dickinson, director of food at Fuller’s, Andrej Prokes, executive chef at Nestlé Professional, Kate Hempsall, consultant to the beer and pub trade, and Dawn Redman, director at hospitality jobs UK.

Mr Malthouse said: “I am delighted but not surprised that Gordon has made it through to the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year Awards’ Big Cook Off. I would like to send my best wishes to Gordon for January 24 and would urge everyone to visit the Sun Inn at Dummer to taste Gordon’s innovative and delicious food.”

British Beer and Pub Association, the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s and Nestlé Professional organised the running of the competition.