The awards are seen as the chefs’ Oscars recognising the exceptional talent across the whole of the UK's chef industry. The deadline for the awards has been extended until Wednesday 25th February 2026.
Matt Lord, regional executive chef at ESS, was named as the recipient of the 2025 Public Sector Chef Award at the Craft Guild of Chefs annual ceremony. Other previous winner include Kath Breckon, Scott Freeman, Jake Barwood, Ryan Hopper and Lisa Normanton.
For the Public Sector Chef Award, nominations are sought from the high-volume catering arena including hospitals, prisons, education, military, public and social services and in-house staff restaurants.
Considerations will be given to the provision of nutritionally balanced and innovative menus produced to the highest standard within the constraints the public sector demands. Entrants must:
- Describe the nominee’s role and key areas of responsibility including team management, staff development and retention.
- List key qualities and achievements demonstrating how the nominee has made a contribution over and above his/her job role.
- Provide information on promotional activity, menu development, financial responsibilities and key business achievements demonstrating success for this sector.
The 14 categories available for nomination include:
- Apprentice Chef Award
- Banqueting & Event Chef Award
- Chef Lecturer Award
- Competition Chef Award
- Contract Catering Chef Award
- Culinary Hero Award
- Development Chef Award
- Pastry Chef Award
- Pub Restaurant Chef Award
- Public Sector Chef Award
- Restaurant Chef Award
- Street Food Chef Award
- Sustainability Excellence Award
- Young Chef Award