National and Junior Chef of Wales finalists announced

The finalists for the National and Junior Chef of Wales contests have been announced, with the country’s top chefs set to compete in January for the title.

Ten chefs will contest the finals at the International Convention Centre Wales as part of the Welsh International Culinary Championships, taking place on 22 to 24 January 2024.

Two chefs will be bidding for the title for a second time. Ryan Jones, head chef at the Principality Stadium Cardiff won the coveted title in 2014, while Stephanie Belcher, from the Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London, is hoping to receive a double of Junior and National Chef of Wales titles in consecutive years.

Last year’s title was taken by Matthew Smith (pictured), a mid-Wales-based chef-lecturer who won the competition on his fifth attempt.

The National chef of Wales finalists

• Wayne Barnard, junior sous chef, Benito Luis, Caerleon
• Stephanie Belcher, demi chef de partie, the Berkeley, London
• Ryan Jones, head chef, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Joshua Morris, senior sous chef, Palé Hall Hotel, Llandderfel, Bala
• Matthew Owen, head chef, Celtic Manor, Newport
• Harry Paynter-Roberts, sous chef, Carden Park Hotel and Spa, Chester
• William Richards, training officer, Cambrian Training
• Angharad Rockall, head chef, Heronston Hotel and Spa, Bridgend
• Jamie Tully, executive chef, Chartists 1770 at the Trewythen, Llanidloes
• Rebekah Wright, sous chef, Celtic Manor, Newport

The chefs will have four hours to cook a three-course dinner for 12 people, with a vegan starter followed by a main course using two different cuts of Welsh lamb and a dessert featuring plums, ice cream, chocolate and biscuit or tuille.

The winner will attend the Worldchefs Congress and Expo 2026, which is being held at the International Convention Centre Wales.

Running alongside the event will be the Junior Chef of Wales competition, which will see 10 junior chefs cooking a two course menu for six people in three hours.

**The Junior Chef of Wales finalists **

• Katie Duffy, chef at The Halfway, Llanelli
• Dylan Evans, commis chef at L'enclume, Cartmel
• Sam Everton, junior sous chef, Y Seler, Aberaeron
• Ged Jones, chef de partie, Carden Park Hotel, Chester
• Nathan Kelly, sous chef, Spirit Restaurant, Warrington
• Rosie Koffer, chef de partie, Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen, Llanidloes
• Aizel Reyes, commis chef, The Celtic Collection, Newport
• Kye Roberts, chef de partie, Dm Catering, Milford Haven
• Abbie Williams, student, Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus
• Rhys Yorath, chef de partie, Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol

Culinary Association of Wales president Arwyn Watkins, said: “The quality of the chefs is phenomenal which is what we want for the top culinary contests in Wales. Both finals are going to be very competitive and I can’t wait to see these talented Welsh chefs displaying their skills.”