Winners Announced

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Hospitality Training Aberdeen is delighted to bring to the Scottish culinary calendar one of Scotland’s most prestigious and respected contests, the North East of Scotland Chef of the Year & Restaurant of the Year competition.

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The competition aims to raise levels of culinary excellence with a focus on high quality, local ingredients, and sustainability. The competition is split into 5 categories, Chef of the Year, Young Chef, Seafood Chef, Casual Dining Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year. The best and most creative chefs and eateries compete for the coveted titles which can open doors to future success and create many industry opportunities.

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Some of Scotland’s most decorated chefs are heading to Aberdeen to judge the live cook off hosted at the North East of Scotland College, Aberdeen. The panel includes industry veterans, Joe Queen and Willie Pike MBE from the Federation of Chefs Scotland, and Michelin Star chefs Stephen McLaughlin, Mark Donald and Billy Boyter.  Chairman of the judges said “we are always honoured to be asked to judge North East Scotland Chef of the Year. What is happening here in region is fantastic, this competition is second to none. The skills shown and dishes presented today are to be commended, particularly the young chefs who really showcased what talent there is here in your local kitchens. Everyone should be very proud of what they have done ”.

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This year’s cook-off will be followed by an awards dinner at the Chester Hotel, where the names of the winning chefs and dining establishments will be announced. As well as the accolades, the winner of the coveted senior Chef of the Year title will scoop a £1500 cash prize, with the Young Chef and Seafood Chef taking home £1000 and £800 respectively.

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The competition relies on the support of the hospitality industry and it’s suppliers. Karen Black, General Manager, Hospitality Training said, “We are so grateful to our supporters, which make this key event happen. As an industry owned training association, collaboration with industry employers, chefs and educators is vital. We are passionate about increasing awareness of the opportunities that exist in this wonderful industry and aim to secure the future of the culinary arts across the region. Our special thanks also go to our headline sponsors this year, Entier Ltd, Chefs North- East and G McWilliam for their generosity and support”.

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The judging of Restaurant of the Year and Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year was judged by Orry Shand, Executive Chef Entier and the Scottish culinary team manager and current Scottish Chef of the Year, Craig Palmer of Wild Thyme. The finalists were judged by unannounced inspection of their establishments where all aspects of the dining experience were evaluated.  Orry said; “It has been a pleasure to be asked to judge these local restaurants. The quality has been extremely high and goes to show the talent we have right on our doorstep”

 

The winner of North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year for the second year running was Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish, one of Aberdeen’s most contemporary fine dining venues. The restaurant prides itself on serving seasonal, ingredient led, classic dishes with a modern twist which are packed full of flavour.

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Mara, Aberdeen, one of the city’s newest eateries, and owned by Ross Cochrane and his wife Carolina, won Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year. Ross is a former winner of North East Scotland Chef, and is inspired by Italian culture delighting his guests with thoughtfully crafted dishes and carefully selected Italian wines.

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Winner of the North East of Scotland Chef of the Year 2024 was Andrew Clark, Entier Ltd

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Winner of the North East of Scotland Young Chef of the Year 2024 was Oliver Redgwell-Welch of Entier Ltd

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Winner of the North East of Scotland Seafood Chef of the Year 2024 was Rita Njeru, Falls of Feugh Restaurant, Banchory.