Young National Chef of the Year finalists announced
The Craft Guild of Chefs has revealed the line-up of talented kitchen professionals who have secured a place in the Young National Chef of the Year (YNCOTY) competition final.
Following a rigorous semi-final selection process, these chefs represent the very best of the UK's emerging culinary talent.
The 2025 finalists
- Alessio Sneider, Soho House 76 Dean Street
- Annabelle Hughes, BaxterStorey
- Hannah Sloane, The Black Swan at Oldstead
- Harry Van Lierop, The Ledbury
- Jake Goddard, Cowarth Park
- Keira Carolan, Henrock
- Methus Sawangseang, The Belfry Hotel and Resort
- Mitchell Collins, L'Enclume
- Oliver Redgwell-Welch, Entier Ltd
- Paolo Marinosci, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWO
- Rosie Welch, From the Woods
One place is still to be confirmed, set to be presented to the highest achiever in the kitchen category of the Royal Academy of Arts Annual Awards for Excellence. Ben Howard from Solstice and Karen Fry from Àclèaf have been confirmed as reserves.
To be in the running for the title, the chefs have already had to create a three-course lunch menu within two hours at the semi-final, showcasing technical skill, creativity and respect for premium ingredients. The brief included a starter featuring monkfish tail and Scottish mussels, a main course centred around Sutton Hoo chicken with classic garnishes and a seasonal egg-based mousse dessert using Boiron fruit purée.
Competition director, David Mulcahy, comments: "Some of the UK's most successful chefs, including Luke Selby, Ruth Hansom-Rigby and Danny Young, have held this title, and I hope this year's finalists are inspired by what's possible. It's a perfect platform for elevating careers, so I would encourage all 12 chefs to use their time wisely to ensure those dishes are as strong as they can be when they are plated in a few months' time. We'll be bringing some of the best chefs to judge them, so an incredible experience and opportunity to learn awaits."
The grand final will take place on 7 October at the University of West London, with the winner crowned at a VIP awards ceremony that evening at the Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square.
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