Chef Collin Brown An exceptional chef from Docklands/London has made the final cut in the battle for a prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards or 'chef's Oscar' as they are known in the industry.

Jamaican born, London chef in the Running for Industry 'Oscar' An exceptional chef from Docklands/London has made the final cut in the battle for a prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards or 'chef's Oscar' as they are known in the industry.

Collin Brown, head chef at Chef Collin Brown restaurant, is in the running for Ethnic Chef of the Year, one of 13 categories in the high profile awards from the leading chef's association in the UK.

Collin will find out whether he has won the coveted gong at this year's glittering awards ceremony on June 24th at the Lancaster London Hotel.

To make the crucial cut, the 37 year-old, Jamaican born chef , now residing in London was scrutinised by an 18 strong panel of expert judges from across the industry after being nominated.

Up against Jitin Joshi from Vatika restaurant and Shamim Syed from Durbar Tandoori restaurant, it will be a hard fought contest. "I am truly honoured to be representing my country's cuisine in a fabulous city like London, at this prestigious event, it demonstrates how far our food has come" Chef Collin Brown said.

Andrew Green, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs - the most respected association dedicated to culinary excellence in the UK - said: "The wonderful thing about these accolades is they don't discriminate, rewarding passionate, talented chefs from across the industry, whether they work in a village pub, a fine dining restaurant, a city university or in the world of contract catering. They might develop products for national retailers or serve our British soldiers."

"This year, we had an incredibly difficult task before us, with an exceptional choice of candidates all gunning for what is now known in the industry as a chef's Oscar. Each coveted gong not only brings with it kudos and prestige, but recognition from the leading chef's association in the UK. We look forward to revealing whether Chef Collin Brown has the edge on the night."

Now in their 17th year, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognise and reward leading talent working in kitchens across the industry. There is also a 14th award reserved for one exceptional personality, awarded by a special panel of judges which believes he or she has made an outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole.

Chef Collin Brown is one of 40 finalists to be invited to the awards ceremony, which itself has become an unmissable event in the industry calendar, with more than 600 culinary professionals gathering under one roof to celebrate with their peers. Master of the Royal Household and president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Air Vice Marshal David Walker OBE, will be attending this year's ceremony.