Held at the Odney Club and the Waitrose Food Innovation Studio, the event has become a highlight in the competition’s calendar for the chefs, sponsor partners, speakers and chairs of judges. It offered the finalists a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights, build lasting relationships and engage with industry leaders.

Day one featured a panel of culinary icons including Matt Abé, Russell Bateman, Tom Swaby, April-Lily Partridge and Ben Murphy who shared their experiences, advice, and encouragement with the competitors. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, learning, and motivation as chefs prepared mentally for the challenge ahead.

On day two, finalists experienced a dynamic programme of masterclasses, food tastings, panel discussions, and sponsor insight sessions. A highlight of the day was a specially curated lunch by Waitrose development chefs Will Torrent and Paul Gamble, showcasing innovation and culinary excellence from Waitrose and a hand-selected group of brands including Gymkhana, Fiona Cairns and Good Phats.

Senior finalists also enjoyed a thought-provoking session which delved into building their personal and professional brand to give them insight that would take them well beyond the competition. Guest speakers from Dishpatch, Waitrose and Digital Blonde Marketing explored how chefs can gain better understanding on how to promote both themselves and any future businesses.

The competition winner will be invited to launch their very own Dishpatch meal kit, sold alongside the likes of Michel Roux, Angela Hartnett and previous NCOTY Chair of Judges Paul Ainsworth. Their National Chef of the Year winning dishes will be the inspiration, but they will work with the Dishpatch team to adapt the menu to be a winning meal kit for food lovers across the UK to enjoy.

David Mulcahy, competition director and vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “The mentor day is a key part of the National Chef of the Year calendar and continues to grow in stature each year. We’re always looking for new ways to inspire our finalists and ensure they feel fully prepared to compete for the title.

“This year, we’ve seen two exceptional groups of chefs, each with a real thirst for learning and a determination to make the most of every opportunity that comes with being a NCOTY or YNCOTY finalist. The knowledge shared and the connections made during this event will support their journey to the final and well beyond.”

The cook-offs for both competitions will take place at the University of West London on Tuesday 7th October 2025 with the VIP Awards event being hosted at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square in the evening.

Will Torrent, senior brand development chef at Waitrose & Partners, added: “It was an absolute honour to host the mentoring experience for the third consecutive year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing a key role in organising this event with the Craft Guild of Chefs.

“Bringing together so many talented chefs and passionate sponsors under one roof made for a truly memorable day. The venue was filled with people who are deeply committed to celebrating talent within the UK hospitality industry, and it’s clear we’re in for another set of brilliant finals.”