This prestigious new award recognises outstanding culinary talent among the next generation of chefs, providing a platform for young professionals to further their careers and refine their skills.

Francisco stood out among a competitive field of applicants for his exceptional creativity, technical skills and passion for the culinary arts.

He is a talented chef who started his culinary journey as a commis chef at the Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant Palmito in Brighton. From there he went on to secure a placement at Michelin-starred restaurant Luca, working under chef Robert Chambers.

Commenting on the news, Francisco said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the Young Chef Scholarship. This opportunity will allow me to continue growing as a chef and learning from some of the best in the business. I’m extremely grateful to the Craft Guild of Chefs for believing in me and for this incredible chance to take my skills to the next level.

“My ambition is to open a restaurant here that prioritises sustainability, ethical sourcing and strong community ties. A restaurant in which every dish reflects my passion for great flavours alongside to my commitment to doing things the right way.”

As the winner, he will receive invaluable mentorship, up to £5,000 of funding for professional development and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with some of the best chefs in the industry. He plans to use some of the funding to gain invaluable restaurant experience in Mexico and Columbia, cuisines he is particularly interested in developing back in the UK.

The Young Chef Scholarship was created by the Vice Presidents of the Craft Guild of Chefs, and it is spearheaded by VP Steve Munkley. It aims to support the development of emerging culinary talent and ensure the future of the industry remains in expert hands.

Munkley commented: “Francisco’s dedication to honing his craft, along with his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the culinary world, made him the ideal candidate for this year’s award. We were all impressed with his culinary passion and his mature approach to his work and the industry.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs would like to extend congratulations to Francisco and express their gratitude to all the applicants who participated in the scholarship program this year.

The Craft Guild of Chefs remains committed to supporting the next generation of chefs and ensuring they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. For more information about the Young Chef Scholarship and the Craft Guild of Chefs, please visit: www.craftguildofchefs.org.