Guests were invited to enjoy a three-course seafood menu, created and served by hospitality and professional chef students of the Grimsby Institute. Attendees included Premier Seafoods, Hilton Seachill, Young’s, Sofina Foods Europe, the Seafish Industry Authority, and the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The competition welcomed back judges Ben Barlett, Master Chef of Great Britain; Steven Bennett, ‘The Lincolnshire Chef’ and chef patron of local 2-rosette hotel Healing Manor; and Nikki Hawkins, independent consultant to the seafood industry. Further celebrity judges are yet to be announced.

Carrieanne Vaughan, competition director, said: “We at Grimsby Institute are honoured to host this prestigious event, which marks a significant milestone in our journey this academic year, as this will be the first year that the competition runs simultaneously with our new UK Seafood School facility.

“This competition has gained a worthy reputation throughout its previous 27 years and has rightly gained a top place on many calendars throughout culinary colleges. The competition allows talented trainee chefs from colleges across the UK to showcase their flair, creativity, and mastery of seafood.”

The National Seafood Chef of the Year competition is now open to all full-time and college-based modern apprentice chefs. Colleges across the UK are encouraged to apply.

Competition entries close 2nd April 2025. Further information about competition rules, judge announcements, prizes, and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the website.