7th November 2024

South West Chef of the Year competition unveils award winners

Written by: Edward Waddell
Talented chefs and home cooks from the south west have been recognised in ‘one of the UK’s most prestigious chef contests’.

The finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition, which is in its 20th year and was co-founded by chef Michael Caines MBE DL, took place this week. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at Exeter Golf and Country Club.

The South West Chef of the Year competition provides a platform for the region’s young chefs to build their profiles and an opportunity for the industry to promote the high standards of hospitality in the west country.

It also aims to recognise the skill and creativity of professional chefs and amateur cooks; nurture up-and-coming professional and student chefs and provide a platform from which competitors can highlight their skills and develop their careers.

Caines said: “Congratulations to all of the winners from today’s competition. We have seen some amazing dishes created by some truly talented chefs, all made with outstanding local ingredients that highlight the skill of our participants and the quality of produce here in the west country.

“We’re very grateful to all of our sponsors and suppliers who continue to support our competition. Their commitment enables us to stage this annually and contribute to the nurturing of the next generation of west country chefs.”

The award winners are:

  • Overall South West Chef of the Year 2024 – Harrison Brockington, Gather, Totnes
  • Professional Chef of the Year – Harrison Brockington, Gather, Totnes
  • Young Professional Chef of the Year (aged 19-24) up to junior sous chef – Keren Fry, Àclèaf, Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plympton
  • Student/Apprentice Chef of the Year (aged 16-19) – Toby Pyne, Truro & Penwith College and the Peterville Inn, St Agnes, Cornwall
  • South West Home Cook of the Year (aged 16+) - Lucinda Ellicott, Paignton
  • South West Junior Chef of the Year, an award for students aged between 11 and 16 – Lexie Colley from Churchdown School Academy, Gloucester.
  • Best Showcase of Regional Ingredients - Toby Pyne, Truro & Penwith College and the Peterville Inn, St Agnes, Cornwall
  • Best Presentation – Finn Clark, Exeter College and Àclèaf, Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plympton
  • Best Menu – Ollie Stonefrost, Lucknam Park, Bath
  • Best Dish - Harrison Brockington, Gather, Totnes