Damien Doutaz from Switzerland beat finalists from all over Europe to win the title of Best Apprentice Chef in Europe 2004 at this year's MaŒtres Cuisiniers de France competition, held for the first time in London.

The competition took place two weeks ago at the Cordon Bleu School, where competitors cooked for judges, and involved chefs from France, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Holland.

The event was organised by Christian Delteil, managing director of the Bank Restaurant Group, Jerome Ponchelle, head chef at Wiltons, Michel Roux, chef-proprietor at Le Gavroche and Jacques Rolancy, head chef at Windows.