NCOTY FAQs
Over the years, chefs entering the National Chef of the Year competition have asked us a wide range of questions about the process, timings and expectations. To make things easier, we’ve gathered the most common queries here to help guide you through each stage of your NCOTY journey. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, simply head to our Contact Us page and get in touch with our team.
What is the brief for this year?
This year’s brief has been created by Mark Birchall and Cherish Finden and based on our overarching theme of, ‘Our Sustainable Future’. Make sure you read the brief in great detail as it gives plenty of insight into what’s expected and what the judges will be looking for. You can read the full brief here.
How long do we have to enter?
Entries for the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition open on Tuesday 10th February 2026 and close on Tuesday 7th April 2026, giving chefs a full eight weeks to develop and submit their menus. We strongly recommend starting your planning early so you have plenty of time to refine your dishes and produce photography for your entry. Taking this approach will help you submit the strongest possible menu and avoid any last‑minute pressure when you are working around your own job.
What season should our initial menus be from?
Your initial menu should be planned around the season you’ll be cooking in if you are successful in making the final. This ensures your dishes reflect the best, freshest and most sustainable ingredients available during the final. Seasonal thinking not only strengthens your menu but also aligns with what the judges are looking for.
What are the judges looking for?
Our judges are looking for menus that demonstrate seasonality, creativity and technical skill, as well as a clear understanding of responsible cooking. Each course is judged independently and blind, ensuring a fair and objective assessment. The panel looks for well-balanced dishes. Alongside the individual dishes, Mark Birchall will review every menu as a whole. Ultimately, the judges want to see dishes that showcase your personality as a chef while meeting the competition brief.
What prizes will the winner receive?
The winner of the National Chef of the Year will receive a truly exceptional prize package designed to support their professional growth and elevate the next stage of their culinary journey. Alongside holding one of the most respected titles in UK hospitality, the winner can expect a mix of meaningful career‑development opportunities, immersive culinary experiences, industry‑leading products and exclusive trips created in partnership with our sponsors. These prizes are carefully curated each year to inspire creativity, broaden horizons and provide invaluable learning and development. Full details of this year’s prizes will be announced closer to the final.
What dates should I keep free if I am successful?
If you progress in the competition, there are several key dates you’ll need to keep free. We have put together a page with all the key dates for the competition. You will need to be available for a semi-final, the mentor experience and live final and awards evening. We also recommend you attend the semi-finalists event in July and more details will be revealed asap.
How will the finalists be decided?
This year the finalists will be decided following our North and South semi-finals as well as taking into consideration your initial entry which will be cooked at the final.
What happens at the mentor day?
The Mentor Experience is one of the most inspiring stages of the National Chef of the Year journey. Across the evening of Monday 7th September and the daytime of Tuesday 8th September, finalists come together for an immersive programme designed to prepare them for the final. During this experience, you’ll meet the judging panel, connect with fellow finalists, and learn directly from competition sponsors. The sessions typically include demonstrations, talks, ingredient insights and opportunities to ask questions, all aimed at strengthening your knowledge, confidence and creativity ahead of the live final. It’s a rare chance to gain expert guidance and build relationships that can support your career long after the competition.
