For young chefs aiming to earn the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Award, the finalist experience is so much more than completing the exam. Getting to this stage gives the opportunity for one of the most enriching culinary experiences of a chef’s early career. Enter the 2026 Graduate Awards here.

Learning at Lainston House

The trip begins at Lainston House Hotel Culinary School, where finalists will be welcomed with an introduction to the days ahead. Very quickly, the learning begins with a series of kitchen and pastry demonstrations focused on the tasks they’ll face in the Graduate Awards final. With lunch at Lainston House rounding off the morning, chefs will feel more prepared for what’s to come in the final exam before they head out to explore the local area.

Chalk Stream Trout Farm

From there, the group will head into the heart of Hampshire to visit Chalk Stream Trout Farm. Finalists will walk the farm with experts, gaining valuable insight. Many of these chefs will only see the fish they cook when it reaches the kitchen so this visit connects menu creation directly with responsible sourcing.

Black Chalk Wine Estate

Next, the itinerary dives into English winemaking at the Black Chalk Wine Estate. A guided tour will take the chefs through the craft behind Black Chalk’s sparkling wines, from vineyard to bottle, followed by an expert-led tasting.

Evening with industry leaders

Returning to Lainston House in the evening, finalists will gather for a relaxed BBQ and informal supplier talks. This evening event is always one of the highlights of the trip with great food and the chance for the young chefs to connect outside of the kitchen and build relationships with mentors, suppliers, and fellow finalists.

New Forest Fruit Company

The second day of the trip will take the chefs into the vibrant world of soft fruit production at the New Forest Fruit Company. Here, the chefs will walk the fields which will provide the opportunity to consider seasonality, provenance, and menu innovation.

Exploring British game

Another highlight will be the visit to the Hampshire Game Company. After an introduction to wild game, finalists will join a guided shoot tour. This will be rounded off with a BBQ at the lodge and a chance to taste game, which is cooked at its freshest and discuss preparation and butchery with experts in the field.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

The tour will end with a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Chefs will explore the site, discover the botanicals behind the gin, and enjoy a guided tasting. This promises to be a perfect finale to a trip centred around learning.

A memorable experience

For any chef who reaches the Graduate Awards final, the Hampshire mentor trip is more than just two days away from the kitchen. Finalists come away with more knowledge, new friendships, and a deeper respect for their craft.