The National Seafood Chef of the Year competition is back!

Seafood powerhouses from across the region were invited to enjoy a three-course seafood menu, created and served by hospitality and professional chef students of the Grimsby Institute. Guests included Premier Seafoods, Hilton Seachill, Young’s, Sofina Foods Europe, the Seafish Industry Authority, and the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The competition welcomed back judges Ben Barlett, Master Chef of Great Britain; Steven Bennett, ‘The Lincolnshire Chef’ and Chef Patron of local 2-rosette hotel Healing Manor; and Nikki Hawkins, independent consultant to the seafood industry. Further celebrity judges are yet to be announced.

Carrieanne Vaughan, Competition Director, said:
“We at Grimsby Institute are honoured to host this prestigious event, which marks a significant milestone in our journey this academic year, as this will be the first year that the competition runs simultaneously with our new UK Seafood School facility.
“This competition has gained a worthy reputation throughout its previous 27 years and has rightly gained a top place on many calendars throughout culinary colleges. The competition allows talented trainee chefs from colleges across the UK to showcase their flair, creativity, and mastery of seafood.”

Maria Turnbull-Kemp, Chief Finance Officer of the TEC Partnership, also said:
“As we launch NCSOTY 2025, the presence of these prestigious seafood organisations reaffirms our shared commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth. The seafood industry thrives on skilled professionals who understand the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
“Through industry partnerships, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment. Our graduates will emerge not only as skilled chefs but also as ambassadors of sustainability, quality, and excellence.”

The National Seafood Chef of the Year competition is now open to all full-time and college-based modern apprentice chefs. Colleges across the UK are encouraged to apply.