BCF Student Chef of the Year 2026: finalists revealed

The finalists of the BCF Student Chef of the Year 2026 have been revealed.

After the paper judging round the following students and colleges are successfully through to the final.

• Louis Chapman, Cheshire College

• Ben Eather, North Hertfordshire College 

• Jack Johnson, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College

• Viacheslav Marynychenko, Newcastle and Stafford  College

• Lewis Phillips, College of Food, University College Birmingham

• Grace Whittle, Newcastle & Stafford College

• Alex Worsley, Tameside College Wellington 

• Joshua Zith, Banbury and Bicester College

The competition will take place on 27 May 2026 at the University College Birmingham.

In partnership with Robot Coupe, Wrapmaster, Contacto and Essential Cuisine. 

The winner will receive a gold medal, competitor’s framed certificate, a day’s experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a trophy for the college, R2 cutting machine for the college generously donated by Robot Coupe and a gift from Contacto and Wrapmaster. 

BCF Student Chef of the Year 2023 winner, Lauren Smith

Second and third placed winners will receive a medal, competitor’s framed certificate, a day’s experience with a Master Butcher alongside a trophy for their college and a gift from Contacto and Wrapmaster.

Three special hampers courtesy of Essential will be presented to first, second and third places.

All finalists will also receive an embroidered apron which should be worn during the competition and for the presentation, and will receive a certificate and one year’s free membership of the British Culinary Federation