Spanish chef Elena Arzak has been named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef ahead of the World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, on the 30th April.

The Spaniard is the joint head chef at the Arzak Restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, which she runs with her father and mentor Juan María Arzak.

She is the fourth generation of Arzaks to work at the family restaurant and is well known for promoting ingredients local to San Sebastian.

As well as training with her father, who himself was awarded the Lifetime achievement award at the world's 50 best restaurants in 2011, Elena has worked at some of the biggest kitchens in Europe - El Bulli (Spain), Pierre Gagnaire (Paris), Vivarois (Paris), Louis XV (Monte Carlo), Antica Hosteria di Ponte Cassineta (Lugano), and Le Gavroche in London.

After being told about her award, Arzak said: “It really humbles me and has come as such a surprise. I am happy for Arzak, the restaurant, my father and my family…four generations! I remember when my grandmother was cooking and how much of an inspiration she was. With this title, I think of her even more.”