The Competition
South West Chef of the Year highlights the skills and creativity of the region’s professional chefs, students, home cooks and juniors. This is your chance to gain recognition for your talents!
Meet the Judges
Our prestigious judging panel is made up of some of the South West’s leading chefs, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of experience to the judging process.
Previous Winners
Where are they now? Previous winners of all categories of the competition have gone on to enjoy successful careers and deserved recognition. Find out where their careers have led them.
“Taking part in South West Chef of the Year provides a wonderful opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills to some of the best chefs in the South West.”
Michael Caines MBE
Co-founder and head judge
Lead Sponsor:
South West Chef of the Year 2023
South West Chef of the Year 2022
We are extremely grateful to the partners and sponsors of South West Chef of the Year 2023.
Junior Chef entries 2024 now open
Entries for South West Junior Chef of the Year 2024, for 11-16 year olds, are now open. This category of... read more →
27th March 2024
Congratulations to the 2023 winners
Overall South West Chef of the Year, Andrew Jenkinson, pictured with Dr Andrew Kemp MBE... read more →
29th October 2023
The winners are announced!
Three extremely hotly-contested finals were held at Exeter College on Tuesday 24th October, when the finalists in the Professional,... read more →
25th October 2023
Freya crowned South West Junior Chef of the Year 2023
The region's chefs of the future! South West Junior Chef of the Year final 2023 Open to... read more →
12th October 2023Congratulations to our finalists 2023
Competition was tough at the semi-finals at Exeter College on Saturday 30th September, when competitors in the Professional, Young... read more →
1st October 2023
The 2023 competitors
Thank you very much to everyone who entered South West Chef of the Year this year. The judges... read more →
21st August 2023