A HAMPSHIRE chef takes part in a top Parliamentary cooking competition today

Ryan Lamb, who is a chef at The Tally Ho in Broughton, has been chosen as one of four finalists in the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year contest.

The award, in its second year, sought nominations from MPs across the country, with Ryan nominated by MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes.

More than 130 nominations were received across the country.

Eight finalists, four from the pub chef of the year and four from the younger category will battle it out for the title in January.

They will be cooking for a panel of judges before winners are announced at a ceremony at the House of Commons on February 7.

Ryan said: “Getting the news that I had made it through to the final was like receiving the best, early Christmas present ever!

“It’s going to be an exciting start to 2018, well exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

“I hope I can impress the judges with my culinary knowledge and skills and win this title to inspire my team.”

MP Caroline Nokes added: “I am thrilled for Ryan and the team at the Tally Ho for his well-deserved place in the cook-off.

“I know the people of Broughton – as well as those who make the Tally Ho a regular culinary destination – will join me in wishing him the best of luck in January.”

Other nominations for the final include Kevin Mclean of The Rat Inn in Hexham, Oliver Farrar of The Durham Ox in Thirsk and Malton and Craig Jeffery of The Ship Inn in Cornwall.

Brigid Simmonds, of the British Beer Pub Association who are running the competition, said: “Last year’s nominees were of a high standard but this year really has seen a step up in quality.

“The entries showed the breadth of talent on display in our pubs and I am excited to see what our finalists produce in the cook off.”

Among the judges is Andrej Prokes, executive chef at Nestle Professional, who said: “The standard of entries for this year’s competition was extremely high.

“I was really impressed with the quality and attention to detail shown by the nominees.

“The finalists can already be really proud of what they’ve achieved and I am excited to sample their work in the cook off.”

The panel is comprised of director of food at Fuller’s, Paul Dickinson, beer and pub consultant Kate Hempsall and Andrej Prokes.