A pub chef in Bromsgrove is set to compete against top chefs from across the country, hoping to be crowned Pub Chef of the Year.
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid nominated St John Wine Rooms' chef Duncan Mitchell for the parliamentary award, describing him as a 'valuable asset to our Bromsgrove community'.
Having worked as a chef for almost 30 years, Duncan has already received three rosettes at his first head chef role, and collected a Bib Gourmand at another restaurant.
The 47-year-old will be critiqued by an expert panel, followed by a final cook-off judged by acclaimed TV guest chef presenter Paul Merrett, before the winner is announced in February next year.
Duncan said: "I am so happy to be nominated. It’s fantastic news for St John Wine Rooms having only opened in April and already commended by the local MP – our first big stamp on the book."
The town centre restaurant is run by lifelong Bromsgrovians David McNally, his wife Gaye, Gaye's sister Jacqueline Collette and her husband Stephen.
Mr Javid, who met the owners at his Jobs Fair last year, said: "Their commitment to local food, made from locally sourced ingredients is a credit to our constituency.”
The award aims to recognise the contribution pub chefs make to 'eating out experiences' nationwide.