Now in its second year, the scholarship provides up to £5,000 in funding for one exceptional young chef to pursue education, training, and international work experience that enhances their professional development. The 2025 winner Francisco Brewer is set for international culinary stages in Mexico.

Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, commented: “We are excited to open entries for the Craft Guild of Chefs 2026 Young Chef Scholarship. The calibre of applications last year was incredible, and Francisco has shown just what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. This scholarship is about investing in the future of our industry, and we encourage young chefs to be bold and apply.”

Francisco Brewer is currently preparing for two international stages in early 2026 at leading sustainability-focused restaurants in Mexico City: Baldío, the first and only Michelin Green Star restaurant in the city and Alfonsina, a restaurant that celebrates indigenous agricultural traditions and hyper-seasonal cooking.

His visit to Mexico will include:

• His four-week stage at Baldío will immerse him in the restaurant’s sustainable systems and ingredient sourcing practices, including working in the kitchen to understand operations and service.
• Visiting Mexico’s central food markets, local farms, and artisan producers.
• Learning directly from Baldío’s sustainability leads on waste reduction and Green Star standards.
• Exploring traditional Mexican ingredients and how modern chefs are reinterpreting them.
• Francisco’s second stage at Alfonsina will take him deeper into farm-to-table culture and the close ties between producer, land, and kitchen.

Brewer said: “Being selected as the 2025 scholar is such an incredible honour. Travelling to Mexico to train at restaurants like Baldío and Alfonsina is something I never thought I’d get the chance to do. As someone who’s half-Ecuadorian, I’m really looking forward to connecting with my Latin American roots, seeing how cooks there work with the land, waste nothing, and give back to their communities through food.

“What’s amazing is that their approach isn’t new at all, it’s been part of their culture for generations. It’s something we can all learn from, and it really feels like the direction we should be heading in.’’

Scholarship Details

The Young Chef Scholarship awards funding of up to £5,000 to support educational and training experiences, including:

• College or university-based programmes and certifications
• UK or international work experience and internships
• Independent, specialised culinary courses
• Specialist culinary equipment
• Other relevant professional development activities

How to Apply

Eligible applicants must:

• Be aged 18–25 on or before 31 December 2025
• Hold a valid UK passport
• Be currently employed by a recognised catering establishment in the UK

Applications must be submitted online and include:

• A full CV
• A statement of intent outlining how the scholarship will be used and the expected outcomes
• A brief budget breakdown
• A professional reference from a senior chef

Key Dates – 2026 Young Chef Scholarship

• Entries open: Monday 13th October 2025
• Entries close: Friday 12th December 2025
• Shortlist announced: Friday 16th January 2026
• Final interviews: Wednesday 11th February 2026
• Winner announced: Tuesday 17th February 2026

To apply for the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef Scholarship, the below must be submitted online: www.craftguildofchefs.org/vice-presidents-young-chefs-scholarship.