A Wokingham chef has reached the UK final of a prestigious culinary competition.

Josh Wilde, chef at Fare Eatery, is one of nine young chefs under 30 to make it to the UK final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25.

This global contest aims to discover and support the most inspiring young chefs worldwide. The bi-annual competition and academy have the backing of some of the most celebrated figures in the industry.

Mr Wilde will compete in the UK final at Le Cordon Bleu, London, on September 25. If he wins, he will represent the UK at the global Grand Finale in Milan next year.

Mr Wilde said: "It’s such an accomplishment to be a regional finalist again in this year’s SPYCA competition.

"I’m using this second chance as a proper challenge to myself, to be better and cook better. I can’t wait."

Mr Wilde's success comes just three months after he opened Fare Eatery in Wokingham's grade II listed town hall in June.

The 80-cover restaurant features a robata grill, which finishes many of its dishes over hot coals.

The modern fire-led menu includes dishes such as rump of lamb with crispy shoulder, smoked aubergine, and mint; Cornish cod with brassicas and truffle sauce; and Amaretto baba with spiced pear and vanilla cream.

Fare Eatery, in partnership with Truffle Hunting Consulting, also offers a 100-bottle wine list focusing on sustainable, natural, organic, and biodynamic producers, as well as a bespoke cocktail list.

Mr Wilde grew up in Portsmouth, and his early career saw stages at Michelin-starred restaurants L’ortolan, Galvin at Windows, and Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons.

He joined Tom Kerridge’s The Coach in Marlow in 2018, working his way up from demi chef de partie to senior sous chef.

He left Marlow in 2022 to take up his first head chef position at The Little Angel in Henley upon Thames, before joining Fare Eatery in June 2024.

Fare Eatery is overseen by Truffle Hunting restaurant consultancy, which was founded by Nigel Sutcliffe and James McLean.

Together, they have proven themselves as respected voices within the industry, with success stories including The Fat Duck, The Mutton, and Gara Rock.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition is a global initiative by Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy.

It aims to discover and support the most inspiring young chefs around the world.