A former student of the Academy by Simon Rogan has won the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef Award 2025. The award was presented at a black-tie event held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Monday, June 16th.
Now in their 31st year, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards are among the most respected honours in the hospitality industry, celebrating the talent, dedication, and impact of chefs across all sectors.
Keira Carolan, a former student of the Academy by Simon Rogan, is currently a demi chef de partie at Henrock by Simon Rogan at Linthwaite House, where she works alongside head chef and Great British Menu finalist Mark McCabe.
Keira is no stranger to accolades, having previously received several awards, including National Seafood Chef of the Year in 2023, Lancashire Life Young Chef of the Year 2023, and finishing third in the Young National Chef of the Year competition, where she also received the Sustainability Prize.
Mark McCabe, head chef at Henrock, commented on Keira’s award: “Keira’s journey began through the Academy by Simon Rogan program. Her rapid progression from academy graduate to award-winning chef showcases both exceptional talent and commitment to her craft. As a valued team member, Keira consistently demonstrates skill, precision, and enthusiasm that elevate the entire operation. This recognition marks the beginning of what promises to be a distinguished career. Congratulations to Keira on this outstanding achievement!”
Craft Guild of Chefs chair Mark Reynolds said: ‘’As always, we have rewarded excellence from across the industry and the career path, with the Young and Apprentice Chef awards identifying those at the start of their career and the others covering the year’s best chefs within their industry sectors.’’
The Craft Guild of Chefs was established in 1885 under its former name of the Cookery and Food Association. It has developed into the leading Chefs’ association in the UK and has many members worldwide. Craft Guild of Chefs members come from all aspects of the foodservice and hospitality sectors, working in a wide variety of positions, from students and trainees to top management. The association boasts a broad and experienced membership.
As an association representing the interests of chefs, it aims to increase standards of professional cooking through greater awareness, education, and training and to develop careers and prospects of its members. It helps members develop and maintain their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The full list of Craft Guild of Chefs 2025 winners:
Accredited College Restaurant Award (sponsored by Wafflemeister): The Silver Plate Restaurant, Sheffield College
Apprentice Chef Award (sponsored by Compass Group – Foodbuy): Roselle Wu, ESS Compass Group UK & Ireland
Banqueting & Event Chef Award (sponsored by CleanEvent Services): Allen Townsend, Levy Goodwood
Chef Lecturer Award (sponsored by Panasonic): Darren Creed, Loughborough College
Competition Chef Award (sponsored by HRC 2026): Tom Phillips, Restaurant Story
Contract Catering Chef Award (sponsored by PizzaSi): Adam Thomason, Restaurant Associates
Culinary Hero Award (sponsored by Williams Refrigeration): Brian Magill, Freezer Friends Initiative
Development Chef Award (sponsored by Essential Cuisine): Gareth Bowen, Cunard
Pastry Chef Award (sponsored by Lakeland Dairies): Luis Meza, Hilton London Metropole
Pub Restaurant Chef Award (sponsored by Bonemasters): Luke Payne, The Pack Horse
Public Sector Chef Award (sponsored by Tugo Food Systems): Matt Lord, ESS
Restaurant Chef Award (sponsored by Unox): Adam Smith, Coworth Park
Street Food Chef Award (sponsored by Major International): Alec Tomasso, The Weeping Chef
Sustainability Excellence Award (sponsored by Rational): Tom and Laurissa Heywood, Pignut Restaurant
Young Chef Award (sponsored by Henley Bridge): Keira Carolan, Henrock by Simon Rogan
New Restaurant of the Year Award (sponsored by Lumina): Kioku by Endo
Special Award (sponsored by Sodexo): Clare Smyth MBE
