Apprentice Chef of the Year finalists revealed
Earlier this week, some of our talented Compass Group UK & Ireland apprentice Chefs have battled it out in our Apprentice Chef of the Year heats, which took place at Xcelerate with Edgbaston.
16 Chefs were selected to take part in the competition from across our Compass sectors. They were challenged with cooking their own Plaice Dish, plus a separate traditional Chicken Pie - with a larder of other ingredients they could choose from to make their dishes their own or serve with accompanying sides.
Contestants were allowed 1hr 45minutes for each dish.
Judges selected 10 Chefs that are now through to the final, due to take place in April 2026. They will compete for the overall prestigious title of Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year.
The finalists are -
- Aisha Joel, Restaurant Associates
- Matthew Cruse, Chartwells
- Amia Fishley, Levy
- Hannah Reed, Levy
- Brooke Hurrell, B&I – Eurest
- Jamie Kennerly-Bradshaw, ESS
- Emilijus Kregzede, Restaurant Associates
- Kieran Henry, B&I – Dine Contract Catering
- Nicole McLean, Chartwells
- Harvey Syrett, Levy UK
The competition took place as part of Compass’ National Apprenticeship Week activity.
Luke Ford, Senior Operations Manager Apprenticeships, Compass Group UK & Ireland: “I love this competition, it really brings out the best in our apprentice chefs that are competing and you can see them learn and develop during the experience. There is no doubt everyone has taken away new learnings. Well, done to everyone who took part and now we can’t wait for the final in April.”
