The International Wine and Food Society
Europe Africa
The Finalists
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In 2026 - the competition's fifth year - 150 students from 10 colleges across the country took part. The competition started in January through a series of regional heats. This culminated in April, with 25 finalists competing for the title at Leeds City College. The winners were announced at an awards lunch in May.
First Place
Young Chef 2026
Deniz Ozden
Warrington & Vale Royal College
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £500
First Place
Front of House 2026
Leah Wood
Crewe College
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £500
IWFS Young Chef and Front of House Winners
Second Place
Young Chef 2026
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Ethan Ward
Warrington & Vale Royal College
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £250
Third Place
Young Chef 2026
Bliss Mackenzie
Scarborough TEC
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £150
Joint Second Place
Front of House 2026
Georgina Allen
Wirral Met College
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £250
Joint Second Place
Front of House 2026
Ashe Caldwell-Vaughan
Warrington & Vale Royal College
IWFS Crystal Trophy and £250
Runners Up
The Young Chef Judge's Commendation and IWFS Crystal Trophy were received by Hanna Melnyk, from Scarborough TEC, for her delicious dish of Ukrainian dumplings.
The Front of House Judge's Commendation and IWFS Crystal Trophy were received by Ophelia Cavana from Scarborough TEC.
The Winning Plates
The Young Chef Judges
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Paul Heathcote MBE, Head Judge:
Multi-award winning chef, entreprenuer, restaurateur, food consultant and regular supporter of the IWFS Young Chef competition.
Judges (Left to right):
Simon Early, Head of Food and Beverage Operations at Saga
Tony Pipe, IWFS Merseyside Mid Cheshire Branch
Matthew Wilkinson, latterly Head of Kitchens at Rudding Park Hotel
Wayne Tapsfield, Executive Group Chef at Heathcote and Co
The Theme
Head Judge Paul Heathcote set the theme of this year’s competition as “Simple is More”:
“This year I want you to think about how a plate of food can look great using simple ingredients, have bold flavours, be affordable, and win with unfussy, uncomplicated working methods….
Think of yourself as a leader and innovate from the start through to your finished dish, but don’t compromise on quality – use simple, humble, fresh ingredients cooked with imagination.
Great food and the overwhelming front flavour need a perfect balance of wine, not overpowering, sometimes a contrast, sometimes a blend. The sommelier’s choice is like the conductor of an orchestra, making the dish hit the right notes over and over again”
Front of House Competition
The Front of House competition asked budding sommeliers to recommend a perfect wine pairing for dishes prepared by the young chef finalists. The competition was judged by Jane Barber and Mark Jeffries, both from IWFS Merseyside Mid Cheshire Branch.
Jane Barber
Mark Jeffries with some of the front of house students
Gallery
Behind the scenes at the grand final, which was hosted by Leeds City College
Our Sponsors
This year's competition would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Click on the logo to visit a sponsor website. Judges from sponsors, professional chefs, and IWFS members donated their time to enable the project.
SAGA CRUISES
Offering exclusive, sophisticated cruises for over-50s since 2003, Saga Cruises has quickly risen to prominence as one of the world’s most recognisable cruise lines.
Saga offers boutique cruising to exciting destinations worldwide thanks to its two sister ships – Spirit of Discovery & Spirit of Adventure.
Heathcote & Co
Since 2013, Heathcote & CO have specialised in catering events, projects and contracts that they passionately believe can improve and make a difference locally. Their ethos is centred on freshness, traceability, skill and hygiene.
Savoy Educational Trust
The Savoy Educational Trust is an independent grant giving charitable trust whose main aim is the advancement and development of education, training and qualifications for the benefit the UK hospitality industry. The Trust is passionate about fostering the growth and excellence of individuals working in (or aspiring to work in) hospitality, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in this dynamic sector.
Robinsons Brewery
Based in the heart of Stockport for over 185 years, owning a collection of around 250 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, Robinsons is one of the most respected names in British brewing and innkeeping.