Alessandro Raneri, Lucy Paulusma and Ivelin Ivanov won a local hospitality competition and will represent Malta at the World Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist Finals in London.

This is the first time Malta is taking part in this competition for young hospitality professionals aged 28 and under.

Contestants were put through their paces in a high-pressure restaurant environment at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan last week, where they were judged by local hospitality experts.

Alessandro Raneri, who works at ION Harbour, was named Young Chef of the Year. Lucy Paulusma, who works at Le GV, triumphed in the Young Waiter category, while Ivelin Ivanov from The Apothecary Cocktail Bar won the Young Mixologist award.

The trio will now represent Malta at the World Finals in London this March, where they will have a chance to win up to €13,000.

"Bringing WorldYYY to Malta for the first time has been incredibly special,” said Robert Walton MBE, Chairman of World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist.

“The level of talent, professionalism and passion we've seen here has been exceptional, and Malta has proven itself as a serious force in the future of global hospitality.”

"This competition is about creating opportunities - and these winners fully deserve their place on the world stage."