Created in memory of the British Chef William Heptinstall, the annual award allows chefs and pastry chefs under the age of 30 who are resident in the UK, to undertake international stages and fully immerse themselves in the cuisine and culture of their chosen destination.  

Offering a £5,000 bursary, with £500 dedicated to wine education, the award has been created to help young chefs broaden their culinary experience through overseas travel. Applicants are asked to submit a form, a short statement outlining how they would use the award and a reference from an employer or tutor.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in London in May, followed by lunch as guests of the Trustee Directors at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London. Previous winners are not eligible to re-apply. Applications are open until 13th March 2026.

Alex Lewis, 2025 winner of the William Heptinstall Award, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the William Heptinstall Award process. Taking part encouraged me to reflect on my career so far and to consider how I wish to shape my future trajectory, as well as how winning the award could assist with this.

“The interview stage was especially valuable, giving me the chance to articulate my passions and speak in depth about my journey as a chef. It was also a pleasure to meet other young chefs that were taking part and to learn more about the initiatives offered by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

I’ll soon be spending time in France at Le Doyenne restaurant that greatly inspires me, along with visiting several wineries. I’ve also chosen to travel to Italy for an in-depth masterclass in charcuterie making, as this is something I’ve wanted to pursue for a long time.”