Chef of the year
Welcome to the Chef of the Year Competition in the North east of Scotland! This exciting event is all about showcasing the incredible chefs using local produce that makes our region a food lover’s paradise.
From Aberdeen Angus beef to the game and venison straight from the beautiful estates of Royal Deeside, we’ve got some of the best ingredients around.
A celebration of local cuisine
Chefs from all over the region will be bringing their A-game, turning these amazing local ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that highlight the very best of Scottish produce. It's a celebration of skill and craftsmanship that makes our food so special.
Chef of the Year 2026
We’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for the North East of Scotland Chef of the Year 2026 category.
Important Dates
Closing date for applications: 6th March 2026
Finalists notified: Shortly after closing date
Finalists’ Seminar: Hosted by Orry Shand, Executive Chef at Entier, Scottish Culinary Team Captain, and the 2025 National Chef of the Year. (Date to be confirmed)
Cook-Off & Awards Dinner: 25th May 2026
Please remember to include your chef jacket size on the application form below when sending this over so we can order the appropriate size in plenty time.
Please send completed entries to info@hospitality-training.org.uk.
💷 Entry Fees
We’re pleased to confirm that entry fees have been waived again for 2026, to encourage as many chefs as possible to take part.
🍽 Awards Dinner
Details of the awards dinner will be shared once finalised.
All finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the dinner.
Please note that applications must include all required documents listed in the application form to be considered.
We look forward to seeing your creativity and skills in this year’s competition — and wish you the very best of luck!
What you could win
Get ready for a fantastic showcase of talent, passion, and, of course, great food. Let the culinary battle begin.
£1500
Prize fund for the winner
Chef of the year finalists 2025
A fabulous showcase of skill from this years entrants. An opportunity to put creativity on a plate and compete with your peers to win the top accolade. Judged and feedback provided by Scotland’s most respected chefs; Mark Donald, Stephen McLaughlin, Kevin MacGillivray, and Willie Pike, definitely a career defining moment.
A Victory with Legacy: Chef of the Year 2025
Fraser Hobday, Entier Ltd
This year’s most coveted award went to Fraser Hobday of Entier Ltd, whose refined and seasonal menu impressed the judges with its balance, and modern Scottish identity. Fraser now becomes the fourth chef from Entier Ltd to claim the title — a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing culinary excellence.
His winning dishes included:
Poached duck egg, Jersey Royals in kombu stock, Crowdie & lovage velouté, peas
Pork fillet with faggot, potato rosti, giant asparagus, caramelised apple, burnt apple purée, jus
Poached rhubarb & stem ginger mille-feuille, toasted almond & vanilla ice cream