Final chance to enter prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards
17th February 2026

Final chance to enter prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards

Written by: Edward Waddell
There is just one week remaining for chefs in the UK to enter the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards which recognise ‘exceptional talent’ across the whole industry – from apprentice and young chefs just starting out to chefs who are established in their careers in hospitality, pubs and restaurants.

The 2026 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 10th June at the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge. There will be an exciting new format to the 2026 awards ceremony, with the changes being led by Craft Guild of Chefs chair Mark Reynolds.  

Speaking about the awards, Reynolds said: “The Craft Guild of Chefs annual awards for 2026 are now open. It’s a huge opportunity to give someone some recognition and then they could win at one of the most prestigious awards events in our industry. The judging is always difficult but let’s make this year tougher for the judges with some well deserving winners, get nominating.”  

In addition to the 14 categories open for nominations, winners will also be announced on the night for the Accredited College Award, New Restaurant of the Year Award and the Special Award. Previous winners of the Special Award include Clare Smyth MBE, Asma Khan, Simon Rogan, Gary Jones and Angela Hartnett.

The 14 categories open for nomination include:

  • Apprentice Chef Award: Recognising outstanding progress, achievements, and company awards.
  • Banqueting & Event Chef Award: For chefs delivering the highest standards with creativity, organisation, and leadership.
  • Chef & Service Lecturer Award (revised for 2026): For lecturers or trainers developing chefs and service staff at all levels across any sector.
  • Competition Chef Award: Celebrating chefs with a proven record in culinary competitions.
  • Contract Catering Chef Award: For chefs working in contract catering within workplace environments.
  • Culinary Hero Award: Honouring chefs who go above and beyond for their team, community, or industry.
  • Development Chef Award: For chefs in product development or innovation, whether in multinationals or specialist outlets.
  • Pastry Chef Award: Recognising excellence in pastry, whether self-taught or professionally trained.
  • Pub Restaurant Chef Award: For chefs combining local produce, creativity, and outstanding customer experience.
  • Public Sector Chef Award: Honouring chefs in high-volume catering, including hospitals, education, prisons, and public services.
  • Restaurant Chef Award: For chefs demonstrating exceptional quality in standalone restaurants, groups, or hotels.
  • Street Food Chef Award: Recognising independent street food operators delivering innovative and popular dishes.
  • Sustainability Excellence Award (revised for 2026): For impactful, food-led sustainability initiatives across the industry.
  • Young Chef Award: For chefs under 23 who demonstrate passion, technical skill, and commitment to their career path.

The awards are seen as the chefs’ Oscars recognising the exceptional talent across the whole of the UK's chef industry. The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards will close on Wednesday 25th February. Nominate online.