Fuller’s Chef of the Year finalists for 2019
The knives will come out in July as chefs from various Fuller’s pubs will come together to put their cooking skills to the test in Fuller’s Chef of the Year competition.
Fuller's Chef of the Year started in 2016 and is an annual a cooking competition open to chefs from Fuller's pubs. Entrants are given the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for cooking while they vie for the prestigious title of Fuller's Chef of the Year.
In the heats held on 26 March 2019, competitors from the three categories (24 years and under, over 25 years, and college students) underwent a skills challenge where they had 10 minutes to complete a cooking task. The chefs then had 40 minutes to prepare one signature dish of their own choosing – either a starter, main or pudding.
Competitors were judged on their techniques, flavour and execution, by an experienced judging panel, including Roux Scholar Matthew Tomkinson, Food Blogger David Williams, Michelin Star Chef Russell Brown and Josh Green BPBA.
From the 45 chefs that entered, up to eight from each category were selected to compete in the grand final in July. The winners will be flown to Hong Kong to work in Simon Rogan’s new restaurant.
The finalists are:
Over 25 years’ category
- Kon Dyugay,The Tap on the Line, Kew Gardens Station
- Charlie Kipping, The Grove Lock, Leighton Buzzard
- Daniel Birjaru, The Hampshire Hog, Clanfield
- Andrew Kingshott, The Links Tavern, Liphook
- Luke Emmess, The Still & West, Portsmouth
- David Green, The White Hart, Stockbridge
- Rafael Tigalo, The Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing
- Ricky Farmer, The Ship, Langstone
24 years and under category:
- Joshua Hillyard, The Cams Mill, Fareham
- Lewis McGarr, The Links Tavern, Liphook
- Megan Davies, The White Hart, Stockbridge
- Darragh Ryan, The Wykeham Arms, Winchester
- Shey Odysanwo, The Signal Box, Euston
- Thomas Featherstone, The Signal Box, Euston
College Students
This year Fuller's opened the competition to students attending the colleges that Fuller's partners with for hosting its apprenticeship scheme training – offering chefs-in-training the opportunity to enter Fuller’s College Chef of the Year.
Fuller's Director of Food, Paul Dickinson, said: “I wanted to inspire and give insight to future talent, showing that they can have a creative career as a chef at Fuller’s. The winner of this category will also go to Hong Kong with the Fuller’s team.”
The finalists for the college category are:
- Chloe Curry, Havant & South Downs College
- Zoe Castle, Havant & South Downs College
- Jonny Smith, Havant & South Downs College
- Bayan Zuraki, The University of West London
Service Coach of the Year
Fuller's also has a category for Fuller's Service Coach of the Year, where finalists will serve the food and drinks at the Chef of the Year competition. The award recognises excellence in front of house service.
Fuller’s Service Coach of the Year Finalists are:
- Lea Novak, The Sanctuary House Hotel
- Niamh Jiggins, The Ship Inn Langstone
- Sze Razak, Fuller's Ale & Pie House
- Manuela Grassi, Cams Mill
- Claudia Cruz, The Merchant
- Gemma McNair, The Bat & Ball
- Sammy Hardman, The Pilot Chiswick
- Chloe Field, The Wykeham Arms
Paul said: “They have been on a long journey and while there can only be one winner, I'm very proud of everyone who took part, came through, developed and contributed. I wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
The grand final will be held at Havant & South Downs College in Hampshire on 9 July.
See highlights from the Chef of the Year 2019 heats in the video below.
Previous winners
Last year’s winner was Andy Bunting, Sous Chef of The Wykeham Arms in Winchester. Read more: Chef of the Year 2018.
Fuller’s Chef Apprenticeships
Fuller’s is recruiting talented and passionate people to take part in our Chef Apprenticeship Programmes and become our Head Chefs of the future.
Find out more: Fuller’s Chef Apprenticeships.
Become a Fuller's Chef
Fuller’s has a range of exciting job opportunities in our pubs, from Commis Chef roles to Head Chef positions.
Find out more: Fuller’s pub and hotel jobs.