How to Enter
The search for Ireland's Next Top Chef starts here
Stage 1 - Online Application Form
The online application is the first step towards participating in Ireland’s Next Top Chef.
First, register your entry with the online registration form. To enter, all chefs must be 16+ years old and must be eligible to work in the UK or ROI.
Successful candidates must also be able to attend and take part in each stage of the competition.
The application form will cover two areas:
1) Hospitality Experience
2)Submission of 3 Course Recipe for Semi Final/Final
Chefs have until 5pm on Friday 7th June 2024 to submit their application forms.
Stage 2 - Knockout Rounds
The applications will be reviewed by our judges and the top 12 entries will make it through to the first knockout round.
The chefs will then battle it out in 2 knockout rounds before the Grand Finale Gala Ball on Thursday 1st August 2024.
The dates for knockout rounds are as follows - chefs will be given time slots to attend i.e. chefs don't have to attend all four dates in the first knockout round, they will be allocated a 2 hour time slot on one of the dates.
First Knockout Round / Quarter Final - 12 Chefs
Date: Monday 17th June 2024
Location: Waterman House Cookery School, Belfast
Format: Cookery challenge with time slots available from 10pm-1pm and 2pm-5pm. All ingredients and utensils will be provided for the chefs.
The top 6 chefs will make it through to the Semi Final.
Each chef will receive a limited edition Ireland's Next Top Chef Apron for making it to the Quarter Final.
Semi Final - 6 Chefs
Date: Monday 1st July 2024
Location: Waterman House Cookery School, Belfast
Format: Chefs' first chance to prepare their recipes. Time slots up to 6 hours between the hours of 10am - 6pm. All ingredients and utensils will be provided for the chefs based off their entry forms.
The top 3 chefs will make it through to the Grand Finale.
Each chef will receive a £150 Service Works London voucher for making it to the Semi Final stage.
Grand Finale
Date: Thursday 1st August 2024
Location: Balmoral Hotel, Belfast
The Top 3 chefs from the competition will be invited to take part in the Grand Finale at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast.
The chefs will prepare their dishes with their efforts broadcast to a live audience of 200 guests at our extravagant Gala Ball.
They will plate and serve to our 3 judges - Chef Dylan McGrath, Chef Kerry Roper and Joris Minne.
The judges will rank the contestants with the overall winner receiving the Ireland's Next Top Chef trophy, their choice of Michelin 2-Star Stage plus a premium Katto Knife set and scabbard.
The first runner up will receive a stage depending on winner's choice plus premium Katto Knife set and scabbard.
The second and third placed chefs will receive a premium Katto Knife set and scabbard.