They are: Tobias Barfoot, restaurant manager, The Ambrette Restaurant, Margate, Clement Joseph, restaurant manager, RAC, London, Peter McAlister, Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast, Paul Taylor, general manager, TGI's, Luton.

The final will be held on October 22, at the Westbury, London W1, where the four will join last year's runner-up Paul Shanahan, assistant food & beverage director at London's Syon Park, Waldorf Astoria.

The competition, aimed at front-of-house, sets out to find the UK's best restaurant manager by testing entrant's front-of-house skills, ability to manage and inspire a team, and business acumen.

Eight restaurant managers qualified for the semi-final, which was judged by Stephen Motion, head of business development at sponsor Livebookings, alongside AFWS directors Paul Breach and Sophie Roberts-Brown. The finalist judging panel will be headed by former winner and chairman of the Guild of Restaurant Service, and restaurant manager at Babylon, Roof Gardens, London, Peter Avis.

Sophie Roberts-Brown, AFWS executive director, said: "The semi-finalists had a tough, but enjoyable day and we are delighted that this year's entries came from a broad spectrum of establishments, from contract caterers to high street chains."

"Tasks ranged from health and safety knowledge to the way to make a dacquiri. Responding to the letter of complaint demonstrated manager's customer relations skills, while the social media task examined their knowledge and flair for marketing."

The winner will receive a placement in a top New York establishment, where they will gain insight into the running of various departments.