The graduation event brought together industry leaders, chef partners, graduates and guests for an evening celebrating the next generation of culinary talent and leadership within the business.

Since its launch in 2007, the Chef Academy has become a cornerstone of culinary learning and development, championing craft, creativity, community and carbon-conscious cooking through its training programmes.

The Academy supports chefs at every stage of their careers, from kitchen porters and commis chefs through to executive chefs and culinary leaders, with development pathways spanning Levels 2 to 5.

Level 2 and 3 programmes combine hands-on kitchen learning with industry-recognised apprenticeships, helping early-career chefs build core culinary skills, confidence and creativity while learning on the job.

Supported by mentoring, e-learning and practical masterclasses, chefs gain expertise across everything from butchery and pastry to sustainable nutrition and seasonal cooking.

At Level 4, chefs develop advanced culinary and leadership capabilities, combining technical excellence with people management, business awareness and communication skills to prepare them for senior kitchen leadership roles.

The Academy’s prestigious Level 5 Culinary Arts and Culinary Leadership programmes are designed for senior chefs and future industry leaders, offering immersive masterclasses, supplier study tours, chef partner collaborations and strategic leadership development.

The programmes give chefs opportunities to work alongside some of the UK’s leading culinary talent while driving innovation, sustainability and operational excellence across the business.

Greg Bramwell, director of food and beverage, BaxterStorey, said: “We’re celebrating more than a graduation, we’re celebrating the future of hospitality. Our Chef Academy is built on the belief that when people are empowered to bring their individuality, energy and heart to the table, extraordinary things happen.

“Tonight, we celebrate 111 heroes in white jackets - chefs who have embraced growth, pushed boundaries and shown the power of people, planet and purpose in every step of their journey. We could not be prouder of our graduates, or of the culture that surrounds them: a community of mentors, alumni, chef partners and culinary leaders united by passion, purpose and the courage to create something exceptional.”