Ben Murphy crowned National Chef of the Year 2023

Ben Murphy, chef patron at Launceston Place in London, has been named National Chef of the Year (NCOTY) 2023.

He received the award at a ceremony held at the Berkeley hotel in London on Monday (31 October) to mark the 50th anniversary of the competition.

Ten finalists took part in a cook-off earlier in the day, with judges including Kenny Atkinson, Gary Jones, Aktar Islam, and Nieves Barragán Mohacho.

Murphy impressed with his menu of butter poached pollock, radish and Oscietra; Lake District young fallow, watercress, onion and batek pepper; and a desert of clementine, honey, tahitensis vanilla and yoghurt.

Speaking to The Caterer, Murphy said: “I'm still in shock. I felt like I had done a good job and I knew I’d worked quick and clean, but to win in the 50th anniversary year of the Craft Guild of Chefs and the 50th year of the Berkeley is incredible.

“It’s validation for me and the team as well, as my competition dishes were essentially what we do every day in the restaurant. The team at Launceston Place do such an amazing job and we’re full every day. There was also a great vibe during the competition, with everyone supporting each other and sharing equipment. It was great to see other chefs finishing on time and succeeding.

"I feel like a weight has been lifted now, winning this one was important to me, and it keeps catching me. I feel humble and grateful, especially to the Craft Guild of Chefs because they have supported me since I was at college and competing in challenges like World Skills and winning Young National Chef of the Year 10 years ago.”

Matthew Smith, head chef at Inver Restaurant & Rooms, took the runner-up spot while chef April Lily Partridge from the Ledbury came third.

Kenny Atkinson, chef patron at House of Tides and Solstice in Newcastle and this year’s chair of judges, said: “Wow, what a final, with an incredible winner! The brief I set purposely left the menus open to individual interpretation so that we could clearly see each chef’s personality, skill and talent so we’ve tasted some amazing food today.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and well done to Ben. To the other nine chefs, I want to see you learn from this experience and come back next year, more determined than ever.”

Murphy’s prize includes £2,500 from Knorr Professional to help with his career development and a ‘chef experience’ in London and the south-west of England curated by Continental Chef Supplies (CSS), which will include visits to restaurants, masterclasses, and artisan food tours.

A winner’s plate framed with a medal was presented to Murphy by sponsor Churchill and he will also receive £500 worth of products.

The 50th anniversary dinner served a menu created by former NCOTY winners including Russell Bateman, Alyn Williams, Hrishikesh Desai and Steve Groves and was attended by former champions including 1992 winner Gordon Ramsay.

David Mulcahy, organiser of the competition and food innovation and sustainability director at Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better celebration of 50 years of the competition, and it’s been an honour to welcome so many past winners to play a part tonight.

“The reason this competition has spanned half a century is down to the way we have developed it year on year to address the industry’s biggest issues and attracted the highest level of talent to enter and judge this competition.

"I know that Ben is joining a long list of incredible chefs who have become real ambassadors for our industry.”