Chef, young chef and young rising star finalists announced
"The awards are an opportunity to recognise the people whose hard work helps make Northamptonshire such a fantastic place to visit, eat and drink”
Northamptonshire's food and drink community is once again in the spotlight as finalists are revealed in three eagerly anticipated categories in this year's Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards - Booker Young Chef of the Year, Chef of the Year, and the brand-new Young Rising Star of Food & Drink award.
Together, the categories showcase the dedication, skill and hard work found across the county's food and drink sector, recognising both experienced professionals and the young people helping to shape its future.
Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said: "One of the greatest strengths of Northamptonshire's food and drink sector has always been its people. Whether they've spent years perfecting their craft, or are just beginning their careers, this year's finalists have shown outstanding commitment, creativity and professionalism.
"The awards are an opportunity to recognise the people whose hard work helps make Northamptonshire such a fantastic place to visit, eat and drink, and we're looking forward to celebrating their achievements together in October."
The county's young chefs took centre stage at the Manor Restaurant, Tresham College, where finalists in the Booker Young Chef of the Year category, sponsored by Booker, were asked to showcase chicken, seasonal and artisan produce from around the county.
Working with a range of Northamptonshire ingredients the young competitors impressed judges with their technical skill, imagination, and composure under pressure. Every dish reflected careful thought, a strong understanding of flavours and local ingredients, and the confidence to push creative boundaries.
The finalists in the Booker Young Chef of the Year 2026/27 are:
Alfie Gravett, Red Lion, Thornby
Lewis Orton, Delapré Abbey Enterprises
Alanzo Philander, The Four Pears
Bailey Russell, The Red Lion, Cranford
The spotlight then moved to Northampton College for the Chef of the Year cook-off, sponsored by Northampton College, where the county's leading professional chefs produced an impressive two courses that demonstrated expert, thoughtful cooking, and plenty of creativity, with ingredients including locally reared beef from Longbrook Farm, near Oundle.
Recognising the importance of developing talent within hospitality, Jason Lancaster, Principal of Northampton College, said:
"We are delighted to host the Chef of the Year competition, celebrating and showcasing some of the best culinary talent from across Northamptonshire. The standard is always incredibly impressive and reflects the passion, creativity and technical skill that exists within our county's hospitality sector.
"Competitions like this give chefs the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities under pressure and gain valuable recognition from respected industry professionals. They also help chefs to build lasting relationships with employers, suppliers and fellow chefs, creating connections that can open doors throughout their careers."
The finalists in the Chef of the Year 2026/27 are:
David Baranowski, Head Chef, Red Lion Hotel, East Haddon
Chloe Smith, Assistant & Kitchen Development Manager, Althorp Coaching Inn
Richard Hickman, Head Chef, The Bell, Little Addington
Ewan Weldon, Chef de Partie, Fawsley Hall
Lee White, Head Chef & Landlord, The Olde Three Cocks, Brigstock
This year also marks the introduction of the Young Rising Star of Food & Drink Award, sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council, recognising young people aged 16 to 25 who are already making a positive contribution in businesses across the county.
Open to those working throughout the sector - from kitchens and front-of-house teams to apprenticeships, food production and hospitality roles - the award celebrates young people who bring enthusiasm, commitment and fresh ideas to their workplaces while showing the potential to build long and rewarding careers in the industry.
The judges were struck by the enthusiasm, professionalism and maturity shown by the finalists in the inaugural year of this award. From those taking their first steps in the industry to those already taking on greater responsibility, every finalist demonstrated a genuine commitment to learning, developing and supporting the businesses they work for.
Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said:
"Meeting the nominees for the Young Rising Star Award was genuinely inspiring. What stood out most was not only the quality of the young people we met, but their maturity, enthusiasm and commitment to developing themselves and supporting their teams.
"Coming from a wide range of roles and backgrounds, they all shared the same confidence, ambition and passion for the industry. Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas were a real source of encouragement, giving us every reason to feel positive about the future and the continued success of Northamptonshire's food and drink sector."
The finalists in the Young Rising Star of Food & Drink Award 2026/27 are:
Harriet Attfield, The Palmichael Restaurant, Burton Latimer
Yuliya Kachuryna, Legumology Limited, Wellingborough
Harry Glissman-Hill, The Sheaf Inn, West Haddon
Lara Turner, Heygates
Niamh Sinnott, The Woolpack Inn, Islip
Georgie Cottle, The Brampton Halt, Chapel Brampton
The introduction of the Young Rising Star category reflects the Awards' commitment to championing people at every stage of their careers, while encouraging more young people to see food and drink as an exciting and rewarding industry in which to build their future.
The results of all three categories will be announced at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards celebrations on 15 October 2026 at the Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported once again by national catering award winners Portfolio Events.
The free-to-enter categories in this year’s Awards (with their respective sponsors) are:
Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warner’s Distillery Ltd)
Artisan Local Product of the Year (Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers)
Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (SEGRO)
Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)
Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)
Canapé competition (Portfolio Events)
Community Café of the Year (Mary Laing)
Farming Environment Award (Weetabix)
F&B Achiever of the Year (J Sweeney Accountants)
Food and Drink College Student of the Year (University of Northampton)
Healthy Food Producers (Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Eat Curious)
Healthy Food and Wellbeing Workplace (Wellbeing Service, West Northamptonshire Council)
Local Food Hero of the Year (Howes Percival)
One to Watch (Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)
Outstanding Contribution to Food & Drink (All Things Business)
Restaurant of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited)
Rising Star Award (West Northamptonshire Council)
Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)
Chef of the Year (Northampton College)
World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd)