A CHEF at an Oxford pub has won a top national catering award for the industry's best young talent.

Rob Hartwell, 24, a chef at The Fishes pub in North Hinksey, saw off hundreds of other hopefuls to scoop the 2008 Acorn Scholarship.

Mr Hartwell believes it was his determination, dedication and skill as a junior sous chef that won the panel of judges over.

He said: "I think one of the things that helped me was that I'm passionate about food - I always have been."

The young chef said when he was a child his parents always let him chose from the adult menu, which he feels helped him develop his skills.

He added: "I used to spend ages in the kitchen learning to cook with my mum and then when I grew up I couldn't wait to try new foods."

Mr Hartwell points said he had been able to work with a good team at the pub, which he said had improved his culinary skills.

He said: "Since I've been working, I've been keen to learn as much as I can about different foods and flavours.

"I'm lucky that there is a fantastic team of chefs here who have taught me so much.

"With their help, and now with the Acorn Scholarship behind me, I'm sure I've got a great chance of making my dream of having my own restaurant come true."

As part of his prize Mr Hartwell will embark on a food tour of the Far East, Australia and Southern Europe next year, where it is hoped he will pick up some recipes for the pub.

Ben Matthews, general manager of The Fishes, said: "Rob's got amazing talent and energy and a real passion for good food.

"He's made an awful lot of customers here very happy."