Renowned chef Michael Caines MBE DL has launched the 2025 edition of the prestigious South West Chef of the Year competition – a highlight of the region’s culinary calendar and a platform for recognising the best cooking talent from across the South West.
Michael, who is chef/patron at the Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor, co-founded the competition in 2004 with the aim of championing professional excellence, nurturing rising stars, and celebrating the world-class food and drink produced in the region. Now in its 21st year, the competition continues to spotlight the outstanding depth of talent and passion that defines the South West’s hospitality industry.
Michael said: “The South West has a truly world-class larder and some of the most exciting culinary talent in the country. This competition shines a light on both. It provides a valuable opportunity for chefs – whether professionals or enthusiastic home cooks – to challenge themselves, develop their skills and gain recognition from the very best in the industry.”
Entries are now open in the following categories:
- Professional Chef – any age, working as a sous chef/pastry chef or above.
- Young Professional Chef – aged 18-24, working in any role in the kitchen up to and including junior sous chef.
- Student/Apprentice Chef – aged 16-19 and at college or in an apprenticeship.
- Home Cook – aged 16+ and never having worked or trained in the catering industry.
Entries for the category for Junior Chefs (aged 11-16) have closed for 2025. Competitors must live or work in the following counties: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Competitors are given a list of seasonal ingredients and challenged to create their own unique dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce. Finalists then showcase their skills in front of an expert judging panel, led by Michael Caines and featuring some of the South West’s most acclaimed chefs, including Nathan Outlaw, Hywel Jones, Scott Paton and Peter Gorton.
This year’s competition culminates on Tuesday, October 28 with the Professional and Student/Apprentice Chef finals at Exeter College. The day concludes with a glittering Awards Presentation Dinner at Exeter Golf and Country Club, where guests will enjoy a four-course meal cooked by judges and former winners.
Last year’s overall winner was Harrison Brockington who is head chef of Gather, Totnes. The competition has a proud track record of supporting the careers of some of the UK’s leading chefs, including Elly Wentworth, Simon Hulstone, Matt Mason and many others.
For more information and to enter, visit: www.southwestchef.co.uk
(Images credits: Steven Haywood).
