Welcome to Competitions

The Craft Guild of Chefs is proud to celebrate with them.

Here you will find everything you need to know about the various culinary competitions that take place throughout the year - everything from the flagship National Chef of the Year contest through to the specialist Tilda Chef of the Year Competition.

This section will reveal where each is taking place, how you can get involved and those all important winners and runners up.

Current competitions:

Previous competitions:

Latest Competition News

14th May 2026

Eat Wild Craft Guild of Chefs competition returns for 2026

By: Edward Waddell

Organised in partnership with Eat Wild and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition challenges young chefs to produce modern dishes using wild meat, while demonstrating strong culinary skills

13th May 2026

YNCOTY semi-finalists revealed as live cook-offs return to competition

By: Edward Waddell

This marks a significant moment for the competition, as the return to live semi-finals gives rising culinary talent the opportunity to cook in front of some of the industry’s most respected chefs

22nd Apr 2026

Compass Group names 2026 Apprentice Chef of the Year competition winner

By: Edward Waddell

The final round of the contest took place at Compass’ flagship regional community skills and learning hub, Xcelerate with Edgbaston, as ten finalists competed for the title - celebrating and

21st Apr 2026

Craft Guild of Chefs announces 37 semi-finalists for Graduate Awards

By: Edward Waddell

Now in its 24th year, the Graduate Awards has been supporting and developing emerging culinary talent since 2002, offering an exciting opportunity for young professionals to test their skills, gain

More Competitions News

24th Mar 2026

National Chef of the Year extends entry deadline following demand from chefs

The extension until midnight on Monday 20th April 2026 not only supports chefs who have already begun working on their menus...

17th Mar 2026

Nestlé Professional reveals 12 finalists for 2026 Toque d’Or competition

The competition is supported by industry partners including Russums and Savoy Educational Trust, who help champion the...

17th Mar 2026

UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year reveals 5 finalists

The road to restaurant excellence reached a ‘thrilling milestone’ at Lainston House in Winchester, where the semi-final of...

16th Mar 2026

Steve Munkley outlines 8 ways the Graduate Awards help hospitality industry

For more than two decades, the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards have stood as one of the most respected stepping stones...

10th Mar 2026

Craft Guild of Chefs partners with Eat Wild to launch culinary competition

Entrants must be enrolled at a catering college or an apprenticeship to enter the competition. Competitors must submit two...

09th Mar 2026

Graduate Awards finalists to get taste of Hampshire for mentor day

For young chefs aiming to earn the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Award, the finalist experience is so much more...

05th Mar 2026

Springboard names 12 finalists for 2026 FutureChef National Final

On 27th March the 12 competitors will complete a high‑pressure skills test and then produce a full two‑course menu...

27th Feb 2026

Sodexo names 9 finalists for Grand Finale of Cook for Change competition

On March 24th 2026 nine finalist chefs from eight countries will head to London to compete in the Grand Finale of Cook for...

26th Feb 2026

Nestlé Professional reveals Toque d’Or 2026 National Heats shortlist

Taking place at The Grand Cookery School in York from 9–12th March, the Heats will bring together 48 of the UK’s most...

25th Feb 2026

Live semi-finals return to Young National Chef of the Year competition

The new chair of judges, Tom Shepherd, owner of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, said: “Young National Chef of the Year is a place...