PUB chef Matt Long from the Raglan Arms, Llandenny, has been named as one of the finalists in the British Beer and Pub Association and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year competition.

The prestigious new award sought nominations from MPs for a pub chef or chefs in their constituency who provide an excellent food offering. Matt was nominated by Monmouth MP David Davies and was chosen as a finalist from more than 120 entries.

The pub chefs were assessed by a panel of six expert judges. The entries were sorted into two age groups – with those under 30 being considered for the Parliamentary Young Pub Chef of the Year – and eight lucky finalists have now been named.

The panel of judges were extremely impressed by the quality of the nominations received from up and down the country. The eight finalists will now proceed to a cook-off event at The Vintry pub in London in January, where they will cook for a panel of judges including experienced, Michelin-starred chefs.

David Davies said: “Monmouthshire has an enviable reputation as the food capital of Wales and I’m delighted that Matt is flying the flag for the region.

“He has transformed the dining experience at The Raglan Arms and breathed new life into the traditional rural pub thanks to his passion and exceptional talent for producing great food. Pub classics have been updated with a modern twist, with Matt’s unique style and character reflected in each dish. I wish him the very best of luck in the final of this new award.”

Matt Long said: “Winning this award would mean that what I am striving to achieve in the way of a very high standard and quality of food served in a rural pub is recognised. The small rural village of Llandenny and the Raglan Arms would be put on the culinary map, ensuring we continue to serve the local community and support local growers and suppliers.”

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that over 100 MPs recognised the efforts of superb chefs in their constituencies. We were so impressed with the quality of the chefs we saw, and it was a tough task to reduce the field to eight brilliant finalists.

“A career as a pub chef is exciting and demanding, and it offers young people development, rewards and a great working environment. Pubs are increasingly serving very high quality food – as the nominees for this competition have shown – and for ambitious chefs, it’s a great chance to take control of your own kitchen.”

Pubs serve almost a billion meals a year, with more and more pubs recognising that great food will attract more customers. Pubs are also vital to the local economy in every part of the country, offering valuable and flexible employment.

George Vezza, Managing Director at Nestlé Professional, added: “Pubs are an ever more popular option for eating out in the UK, and pub chefs make a very significant contribution within the Hospitality Sector.

“Our long-standing Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition for student chefs is just one example of our commitment to advocating and nurturing new talent in the Industry – and our sponsorship takes this to the next level.  A career as a pub chef can be extremely rewarding, and we hope that by shouting about it with initiatives such as the Parliamentary Pub Chef and Young Pub Chef of the Year Award, we can attract the finest talent to this sector.”