The awards, which are only open to UK based chefs, are seen as the chefs’ Oscars recognising the exceptional talent across the whole of our industry – from apprentice and young chefs just starting out to chefs who are established in their careers in hospitality, pubs and restaurants.

A total of 18 awards will be presented on the night, of which 14 are now open for entry, including the ever-popular restaurant chef, young chef, and pastry chef categories. This year the Sustainability Excellence Award has been revised.

Mark Reynolds, chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Whether you want to recognise a colleague, your team or organisation, or you wish to nominate yourself, we want to hear from you. We look forward to receiving your nominations, the entry deadline is Wednesday 26th February 2025.”

There are four awards that don’t require nominations:

• Accredited College Restaurant of the Year Award: All college restaurants that have received the Craft Guild of Chefs Accreditations will be eligible to win this award.
• New Restaurant of the Year Award: Previous winner have included Miller Prada, Humo London; Upstairs by Tom Shepherd and  Luke Selby, Evelyn’s Table.
• Outstanding Support of Culinary Excellence Award: This award will be presented to an individual or organization who have contributed in an invaluable way to promote, support or enhance the development of chefs from any part of the industry.
• Special Award: Reserved for one very special person who the Craft Guild of Chefs believes has made an outstanding contribution to the industry over and above the call of duty.

The 2025 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards are sponsored by Bonemasters; Clean Event Services; Compass Group; Hotel, Restaurant & Catering; Lakeland Dairies; Pizza SI; Rational; Tugo; Unox and Williams.

The categories include:

Apprentice Chef Award: To be nominated in this category you need to be employed on a work-based apprenticeship scheme which does not finish prior to March 2025. 

Banqueting & Event Chef Award: Candidates should demonstrate the highest standards of delivery, be highly organised and an excellent team leader with a commitment to producing innovative food to the highest standards.

Chef Lecturer Award: Successful candidates should have shown a commitment to helping others over and above their daily responsibilities.

Competition Chef Award: Nominations are invited for chefs who are recognised as having a proven track record within the competition arena.

Contract Catering Chef Award: Nominations are invited for chefs working for contract catering companies involved in the provision of catering services to customers within the workplace.

Culinary Hero Award: The culinary hero award recognises a chef who in addition to demonstrating the highest professional standards, has gone the extra mile to support their team, community or their industry in a clear and unique way.

Development Chef Award: Nominations are required for chefs who are currently involved in any stage of the creation and development of food products for the retail and foodservice industries or for their creativity within the menu development kitchen of groups serving the out of home market.

Pastry Chef Award: Nominees should now be demonstrating their own style, flair and innovation in the types of dishes they produce, as well as actively developing and training future pastry chefs working alongside them.

Pub Restaurant Chef Award: The candidate should use local produce where possible, cook with flair and creativity, and meet the demands of customers by reaching a standard for the proposer feels is exceptional.

Public Sector Chef Award: Nominations are sought from the high-volume catering arena including hospitals, prisons, education, military, public and social services and in-house staff restaurants. 

Restaurant Chef Award: For chefs who are recognised for their outstanding contribution to quality within this sector, whether it be a standalone restaurant, part of a group, or based within a hotel. 

Street Food Chef Award: Nominations are invited from Independent Street Food Operators who are delivering exciting and popular dishes from mobile or pop-up outlets.  

Sustainability Excellence Award: This award recognises impactful food-led initiatives across all sectors in providing a sustainable future within the foodservice and hospitality industry.
Open to chef and food-led businesses (individuals or teams).

Young Chef Award: Nominees should be under the age of 23 years on 31st May 2025 and have already shown a passion for the industry, excelling in their technical skills, developing a wide knowledge base, flair and commitment for their chosen path.

Nominate here.