Chat to us now
0800 093 5892
It was a nervous wait for young chefs across the UK, but the Craft Guild of Chefs can now reveal their finalists for Young National Chef of the Year (YNCOTY). Finalists received their exclusive chef’s jacket from Continental Chef Supplies (CCS) in the post, sealing the deal that they will be cooking for some of their culinary heroes at the final in October.
Three of the finalists have been seeded for their involvement in some of the UK’s most prestigious culinary titles for young chefs, whilst others had to impress the judges in a semi-final round. As entry to this event is by invite-only, all the candidates had been recognised for their work in competitions or put forward by a judge who has seen their impressive talent in the kitchen.
The finalists for this year are:
Two chefs have also been named as reserves for the final George Baldwin-Edie and Harry Donnelly.
Chair of judges for YNCOTY, Lisa Goodwin-Allen said: “Overall, the standard of entries was really impressive. You could really see the personalities of the chefs coming through their menus and how much they had pushed themselves to take a top spot. As well as the balance and flavours of menus, we consider how easy it will be for the chefs to deliver their dishes in a different kitchen and within the time constraints. All the finalists have created something that looks both achievable and delicious and I can’t wait to taste these dishes.”
The finalists will attend a mentor day on Wednesday 6th September at the Waitrose Food Innovation Studio. With a series of masterclasses, skills challenges and a panel discussion, alongside the finalists of National Chef of the Year, it’s set to be an insightful day with the chance to connect with sponsors, judges and fellow finalists.
David Mulcahy, YNCOTY competition director and food innovation & sustainability director at Sodexo UK and Ireland added: “We’ve put together an impressive mentor day that allows finalists from both competitions to come together and learn from each other as well as from the sponsors who are all experts in their own fields. It’s going to inspire the chefs whilst really helping them to fine tune their dishes and skills ahead of the final. Every year we look at how we can make this competition even better and challenge the young chefs. They put so much time into the competition we want them to get as much out of the experience as possible.”
Industry Collaboration Launches Talent Hub to Inspire and Retain Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
HIT Training Ltd Wins Prestigious Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award for the Second Consecutive Year
The Newt in Somerset Unveils ‘Elevate’ – A Bespoke Hospitality Academy in partnership with HIT Training
HIT Training Elevates Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion by Becoming Patrons of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance
Protecting the Future of the Sector: Hospitality Businesses Pledge to Fund Apprenticeships Outside Their Organisation
Future-Proof Your Business and Save Big: National Insurance Savings for Employers of Apprentices Under 25
HIT Training Ltd named “Learning Provider of the Year” at the 2025 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards
HIT Training and The Clink Charity announce new partnership to launch apprenticeships for serving prisoners
HIT Training Ltd scoops the award for Best Training Provider at the prestigious Apprenticeship Guide Awards
HIT Training launches intelligent apprenticeship recruitment service for hospitality and retail, in partnership with urfuture
Sign up to news, events and great resources
