In 2025, finalists enjoyed a packed programme of masterclasses, networking sessions, and visits to producers in Kent, offering insight into ingredients, techniques, and real-world culinary businesses.
Watch this space for the full details of the 2026 mentor experience, which will be announced soon and promises to be just as inspiring for the next group of finalists.
The mentorship trip was a really fun and valuable experience and I’m very grateful to have been a part of it. Not only did it provide a lot of very useful information for the final but it was also very interesting learning from the different suppliers and how they created their products. I loved being able to gain more of an insight into the local produce, where things come from and how they were made; it was great seeing how much they cared about the products they were creating. It was also a great chance to get to know the other finalists and make new friendships too. It was an amazing trip and I’m very thankful to have had this experience.
Andy Reid, Graduate Awards Achiever 2025
The mentor trip this year was very insightful and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, especially being surrounded by so many chefs with an abundance of knowledge. It was also such a good opportunity to see what great produce Kent has, and the passion behind the people providing us with these amazing products. My highlight of the mentor trip would be shucking my first-ever oyster, something I will never forget. And then, of course, the dinner in the evening and the incredible food we enjoyed.
Christi Myburgh, Pastry Graduate Awards Highest Achiever 2025
