Capital chef aims to cook up a victory in national contest

A CITY chef is going head to head with some of the country's most talented cooks – including Gordon Ramsay's right-hand man – in a bid to be named the Best in Britain.

Head chef Brian Canale, who works for hospitality and events firm Heritage Portfolio, is in the running for the National Chef of the Year contest, a coveted accolade once held by Gordon Ramsay himself.

Mr Canale, 41, will compete against seven other hopefuls, including Claridge's head chef Mark Sargeant at the Restaurant Show in London.

During the competition he will have just four hours to prepare a four-course meal from ingredients given to him on the day. His dishes will then be judged by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

Mr Canale, who will be taking part in the competition tonight and will find out tomorrow whether he has won, said: "I'm really looking forward to competing as I get a real buzz in the kitchen.

"To get this far is a real achievement."