Our blog

The Craft Guild of Chefs has opened entries for the Graduate Awards 2026, one of the most respected awards for young chefs in the UK. Essential Cuisine is sponsoring the competition and this year brings an exciting development as industry leader, Sally Abé who is head of food at The Bull, Charlbury, will take on the role of Chair of Examiners for the Kitchen Graduate Award, marking a new chapter for the event. Sarah Frankland will continue her exceptional leadership as Chair of the Pastry Graduate Award throughout 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our much-loved 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar Giveaway, now in its 8th consecutive year!
At Essential Cuisine, we know the festive season can be one of the busiest and most demanding times for chefs. That’s why we’re bringing back our annual giveaway to spread a little joy, offer some well-deserved treats, and celebrate the incredible work happening in kitchens across the UK.

From Young Chef of the Year to National Chef of the year, Danny Young’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
We have had the privilege of watching Danny’s career unfold over the past decade, a journey that began in 2014 when he stepped into the spotlight as the winner of the Northwest Young Chef of the Year 2014, a competition we proudly sponsored. Even then, his talent and determination were unmistakable.

In a thrilling finale that brought together the very best of British gastronomy, the Craft Guild of Chefs has officially revealed Danny Young from The Torridon in the Scottish Highlands as this year’s UK National Chef of the Year winner. The results were celebrated at a glittering awards evening at the iconic Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square. National Chef of the Year is a prestigious title that every competitive chef wants to win as it showcases the highest levels of dedication, ambition and culinary excellence.