National Chef of Wales Final 2026 to Highlight the Best of Welsh Cuisine, Get the Details Here

Published on December 13, 2025

The final of the National Chef of Wales 2026 is set to be a thrilling competition with eight of Wales’ top chefs competing for the coveted title. This prestigious culinary competition gets underway on January 21, 2026, at ICC Wales in Newport, an event that marks one of the highlights of Wales’ culinary calendar. The Junior Chef of Wales final will also be staged, as part of the Castell Howell Trade Food Service Show at ICC Wales on January 20 and 21, 2026, alongside the National Chef of Wales final.

The Finalists: A Stellar Lineup of Talented Welsh Chefs

This year’s final features eight highly skilled chefs, each representing well-known establishments across Wales. The finalists are:

• Daniel Jones from Abergwaun Hotel, Fishguard
• Dion Jones from Rookery Hall Hotel, Crewe
• Gareth Crimmins from Heaneys Restaurant, Cardiff
• Matthew Owen, Goncalo Silva, and Ionutz Bucataru from the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
• Sam Rust from Parc Le Breos House, Parkmill, Gower
• Wayne Barnard from Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Pontyclun

Several of the finalists are returning to the competition, including Wayne Barnard, a silver medallist in 2024, and Matthew Owen, who secured third place last year. Sam Rust is also making his second appearance in the final, while Dion Jones, the first British chef to win the prestigious International Escoffier Challenge Grand Final in France in 2013, returns to compete after a break from the competition.

For the remaining chefs, this will be their first time competing in the National Chef of Wales final, and they are eager to make their mark on this prestigious culinary event.

The Challenge: Showcasing Welsh Ingredients in a Creative Three-Course Menu

Each finalist will be tasked with preparing a creative three-course menu for four people, incorporating at least eight Welsh products of Geographical Importance (GI). These products represent the best of Welsh cuisine and include sustainable Welsh fish, seafood, and GI Welsh Lamb, which is renowned for its quality and flavor. The menu will feature:

• Starter: Sustainable Welsh fish or seafood
• Main Course: Two different cuts of GI Welsh Lamb
• Dessert: Seasonal Welsh fruit, chocolate, and a biscuit or tuille

The use of Welsh ingredients is a key aspect of the competition, as the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) seeks to promote and celebrate the best of Welsh food. By focusing on locally sourced produce, the competition highlights the rich agricultural and food production heritage of Wales.

The Format: Two Heats and a Fierce Competition

The National Chef of Wales 2026 final will be contested in two heats on January 21, 2026. Each chef will have three hours to prepare, cook, and present their dishes, with a commis chef to assist them. The competition will be judged by a panel of esteemed culinary professionals who will assess the chefs based on their creativity, skill, and use of Welsh products.

The winner will be awarded an exciting prize package, including a fully funded delegate package for the Worldchefs Congress & Expo at ICC Wales in May 2026. In addition, the winner will receive £250 worth of products from DPS Tableware and a set of engraved cook’s knives from Friedr Dick. The main sponsor for this year’s competition is Castell Howell Foods, a leading supplier of Welsh food products.

The Impact on Welsh Tourism: A Focus on Local Cuisine

The National Chef of Wales competition is not just about culinary excellence—it also serves as a celebration of Wales’ rich food culture and heritage. With a growing focus on gastronomy as a key element of tourism, events like the National Chef of Wales final play an important role in promoting Welsh cuisine to a broader audience.

For tourists visiting Wales, this competition offers an exciting opportunity to experience some of the country’s finest food. Visitors to the event will be able to sample some of the best Welsh dishes, learn about local ingredients, and explore the country’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. The event also draws attention to the importance of local food producers and suppliers, who play a vital role in the Welsh food industry.

Welsh Food and Drink: A Growing Attraction for Travelers

Wales is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers. With its rich agricultural heritage, world-class produce, and a thriving food scene, Wales has been attracting tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences. From food festivals and farmers’ markets to fine dining and traditional Welsh dishes, the country offers a diverse range of food experiences that highlight its unique cultural identity.

The National Chef of Wales final is a prime example of how culinary competitions can drive tourism, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. The competition, coupled with the Castell Howell Trade Food Service Show, serves as a major attraction for both industry professionals and food enthusiasts, who are eager to discover the best of Welsh cuisine.

Promoting Welsh Excellence in Culinary Arts

The National Chef of Wales competition also helps promote the country’s culinary talent and creates opportunities for chefs to gain recognition on the national and international stage. By showcasing the skills of Wales’ top chefs, the competition helps raise the profile of Welsh cuisine and provides a platform for the next generation of culinary stars to shine.

For those in the hospitality and tourism industries, the competition is an excellent opportunity to network, discover new trends, and support the growth of Welsh gastronomy. The increased focus on high-quality Welsh ingredients and locally sourced produce further positions Wales as a leading destination for culinary tourism.

A Premier Culinary Event in Wales

The National Chef of Wales 2026 final is going to be an event to remember, with some of the best chefs that Wales has to offer. The event, which has a huge focus on locally sourced produce in Wales, is a wonderful platform for chefs to showcase what they can do with the rich food heritage that Wales has to offer. The event is also ensuring that Wales remains at the top of the list when it comes to destinations for food tourists.