Craft Guild of Chefs Appoints New Chairs of Judges

The Craft Guild of Chefs has revealed the new Chairs of Judges for its prestigious National Chef of the Year and Young National Chef of the Year competitions.

Tom Shepherd has been appointed Chair of Judges for Young National Chef of the Year, while Mark Birchall, chef patron of Moor Hall Restaurant, will take on the same role for National Chef of the Year.

The competitions will also see a significant new addition with Cherish Finden overseeing dessert judging for both events. Renowned for her pastry expertise, Finden brings extensive experience from judging top-level culinary competitions, including her long-running role on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals since 2016.

Together, Shepherd, Birchall and Finden will collaborate closely with competition director David Mulcahy to guide the future of the competitions while preserving the strong legacy the Craft Guild of Chefs has built over the past 50 years.

“Chairing Young National Chef of the Year is a true honour. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with some of the UK’s most respected chefs and these experiences shaped my approach to cookery.

That’s why I recognise the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talent. Giving back to the industry through such a prestigious competition is something I’m really looking forward to working on especially alongside Mark and Cherish who I know will also have a big impact on these events.”

- Tom Shepherd

David Mulcahy, competition director and vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said:

“I’ve been asked countless times who the new chairs would be, so it’s exciting to finally reveal these outstanding names. We are already working hard to create an enticing brief that will allow competitors to show us their own style and skill whilst bringing in elements Mark and Tom are truly passionate about.

Matt Abé and Russell Bateman have done an incredible job for us over the last two years, bringing their own personal touches to the competition and so I want to take this opportunity to thank them both again for giving up so much of their own time to inspire others.”

The Guild has also confirmed the return of live semi-final cook-offs, with two events scheduled for the summer in London and Sheffield. This marks the first time since before the pandemic that this stage of the competition will be contested live, reinstating a format that has long been popular with both chefs and spectators.

Entries for National Chef of the Year open on Tuesday 10th February 2026, with an eight-week window for competitors to design their menus.

For further information and to register for National Chef of the Year when entries open next month, visit www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk.