Talented Yorkshire teen wins Rotary Young Chef Competition 2025

Talented Samuel had the recipe for success after wowing the judges at the national final, hosted by Rotary GB&I and sponsored by Italian food giant Filippo Berio, which took place at New City College in London in March.

Samuel was one of six young chefs from across the UK and Ireland to compete in the national final, having overcome three previous qualifying rounds, including district and regional finals.

 In the competition, Samuel had just two hours to prepare and serve their two-course menu, which was judged by Walter Zanre, Managing Director of Filippo Berio and long-time supporter of Rotary Young Chef, as well as chefs Stuart Smith and Graeme Collie, industry specialists with decades of experience in professional kitchens.

 Samuel opted for a main course of quail with a stout soy reduction, serviced with Hen of the Woods mushroom and garlic mash. That was followed by pistachio and rhubarb frangipane, served with a crème fraiche sorbet for dessert.

For coming out on top in the competition, Samuel will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tuscany courtesy of Filippo Berio, where he will visit the prestigious Toscana Saporita cookery school and enjoy several foodie excursions.

 Alongside the national final of Rotary Young Chef, the prestigious event also saw the final of the Rotary Young Musician competition and Rotary Young Citizen Awards.

 Speaking after the final, Samuel said: “It’s sinking in, it’s been a lot of hard work. I entered last year and was knocked out in the first round, and it shows you’ve just got to try again because I really enjoyed it, and I decided I’ll just do it again”.

 Samuel was sponsored in the competition by the Rotary Club of Skipton.