UK Young National Chef of the Year finalists announced

The next generation of culinary talent has been revealed, with the finalists for Young National Chef of the Year 2026 now confirmed following the return of the competition’s live semi-finals. After two exciting cook-offs in Sheffield and London, the judging panel has selected seven outstanding chefs to join the seeded finalists in this year’s prestigious final.

Earlier in the competition, Inez Roggema from The Ledbury and Alex Williams from Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa secured automatic places in the final after winning the Graduate Awards and the British Culinary Federation’s Young Chef of the Year competition respectively. A further place will be awarded to the highest achiever in the kitchen category of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards for Excellence.

Joining them in the final are:

Ben Cleary – The Forest Side

Dylan Evans – Henrock by Simon Rogan

Lewis Nicholas – Ashford Castle

Hope Ryall-Thurlow – Henrock by Simon Rogan

Zach Shaw – The Peat Inn

Eno West – Northcote

Toby Whitehead – Woven by Adam Smith

This year’s semi-finals marked the welcome return of live cook-offs, giving competitors the opportunity to showcase their technical ability, creativity and composure under pressure in front of some of the UK’s most respected chefs. From butchery and main course challenges to creating a balanced pre-dessert, the standard throughout both heats was exceptional, making the judges’ decisions far from easy.

As a proud, long-standing sponsor of Young National Chef of the Year, Churchill is delighted to congratulate every finalist on reaching this stage of the competition. The dedication, skill and passion on display throughout the semi-finals has been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing these talented young chefs compete for the title when the final takes place at Le Cordon Bleu this October.

Good luck to all the finalists!