The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognises exceptional talent and dedication across the hospitality industry, and this year’s ceremony took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Monday, 16th June.
The Culinary Hero Award recognises chefs who along with demonstrating the highest professional standards, go the extra mile to support their team, community or industry.
From left to right: Mark Reynolds (Chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs), Brian Magill (Culinary Hero Award Winner) and Kaj Sandom (National Accounts Manager, Williams)
Brian Magill, chef lecturer at South Eastern Regional College, has a timeless dedication to education, social change and culinary excellence. With nearly two decades of experience, he inspires his students not just by teaching exceptional culinary skills, but by instilling a deep understanding of their wider impact on society.
He’s the visionary behind FreezerFriends, an initiative that transforms surplus fresh produce into nutritious frozen meals, distributed to foodbanks and outreach centres. Brian has also led numerous community food projects, from low-cost recipe videos to large-scale dining events, all designed to support those in need while giving students meaningful, hands-on experience.
His work on the Open University Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts has helped align the curriculum with industry needs, and he actively encourages creativity, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking. Brian’s tireless dedication makes a lasting impact, not just in the kitchen, but far beyond it.
The full list of winners:
Accredited College Restaurant Award: The Silver Plate Restaurant, Sheffield College
Apprentice Chef Award: Roselle Wu, ESS Compass Group UK & Ireland
Banqueting & Event Chef Award: Allen Townsend, Levy Goodwood
Chef Lecturer Award: Darren Creed, Loughborough College
Competition Chef Award: Tom Phillips, Restaurant Story
Contract Catering Chef Award: Adam Thomason, Restaurant Associates
Culinary Hero Award: Brian Magill, Freezer Friends Initiative
Development Chef Award: Gareth Bowen, Cunard
Pastry Chef Award: Luis Meza, Hilton London Metropole
Pub Restaurant Chef Award: Luke Payne, The Pack Horse
Public Sector Chef Award: Matt Lord, ESS
Restaurant Chef Award: Adam Smith, Coworth Park
Street Food Chef Award: Alec Tomasso, The Weeping Chef
Sustainability Excellence Award: Tom and Laurissa Heywood, Pignut Restaurant
Young Chef Award: Keira Carolan, Henrock by Simon Rogan
New Restaurant of the Year Award: Kioku by Endo
Special Award: Clare Smyth MBE