BCF Young Chef of the Year 2025

Alex Williams of Mallory Court Country House Hotel has taken the title of BCF Young Chef of the Year 2025 at the competition held at University College Birmingham on Monday 10th November.

 

Competitors had two hours to produce a three-course meal for two covers, the first course to include fish; the main course, sponsored by Bord Bia, using sirloin of grass-fed dry aged Irish beef, plus a dessert of competitor’s choice. The young chefs had to include products from the Major International range and Lakeland Dairies. 

 

Once again, this very popular competition was oversubscribed with entries and the final was full of tension, highlighting some excellent skills and innovative dishes in front of a large audience watching from the competition theatre.  

 

Runner-up was Matthew Cregan from the Ritz Hotel, London and third place, Harry Edwards from Grace and Savour, Hampton Manor, Solihull.

 

Awards were also presented for best starter which went to Matthew Cregan; best main course to Alex Williams and Jordan Holland, The Boat, Lichfield for the best dessert.

 

Competition organiser and BCF President Peter Griffiths, who announced the awards, said that the  Young Chef of the Year, now in its 28th year, continues to attract interest across all sectors of the industry. 

 

"After the paper judging round, 14 finalists from establishments with 10 Michelin stars between them, battled it out in the final.  This year’s competition once again highlighted the skilled and committed young talent we have working in hospitality.  The standard of the dishes produced and skills shown were exceptional and a credit to all concerned."