The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards recognises exceptional talent, dedication and innovation across the hospitality industry. More than 700 of the UK’s leading chefs and industry celebrity names attended this year’s ceremony, which took place at the Westminster Park Plaza in London on Wednesday, 10th 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), Robert Kennedy (Culinary Hero Award Winner), Malcolm Harling (Sales & Marketing Director, Williams) and Simon Rimmer (Chef & Host)
Over two decades Rob has consistently used his culinary expertise, time and energy to support a wide range of charitable causes across the UK.
His work is driven by a genuine belief in the power of food to bring people together and create meaningful, positive impact beyond the kitchen.
A standout example of his commitment is his long-standing support for the Ups and Downs charity. What began as a fundraising dinner, raising £2,000 through an auction experience, quickly developed into a sustained effort that has now generated more than £50,000 through a series of dinners and events. His ambition has since grown even further, with a personal fundraising target now set at £100,000.
Alongside this, he has also supported a wide range of national charities including Cancer Research, Help for Heroes and KidsOut, consistently lending his expertise to causes that make a real difference.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kennedy said: “This award is really special, because it’s voted for and to know that my peers have nominated and then voted for me is an amazing achievement. I absolutely love being able to use my experience and skills to support charities, it’s so rewarding and I believe food and events bring people together. Thank you to everyone who voted, I am feeling extremely humbled.”
The full list of winners:
Accredited College Restaurant: Scholars Restaurant, Blackburn College
Apprentice Chef Award: Nikoletta Theofylaktidou, Restaurant Associates
Banqueting & Event Chef Award: Miles Greenaway, Rocket Food
Chef & Service Lecturer Award: Neil Rippington, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
Competition Chef Award: Terry O'Riordan, Craft Guild of Chefs
Contract Catering Chef Award: Darren Passmore, Eurest
Culinary Hero Award: Robert Kennedy, Compass Group
Development Chef Award: WillTorrent, Waitrose & Partners
New Restaurant of the Year Award: Jöro Restaurant
Pastry Chef Award: Sam Leatherby, London Hilton on Park Lane
Pub Restaurant Chef Award (sponsored by Bonemasters): Pete Jackson, Wildmoor Oak
Public Sector Chef Award: Rachyel Ainsworth, HM Forces
Restaurant Chef Award: Scott John-Hodgson, Solstice by Kenny Atkinson
Special Award: Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Northcote Manor
Street Food Chef Award: Pankaj Krishnan, Keralan Karavan
Sustainability Excellence Award: IanWaller, Restaurant Pine
Sustainability Excellence Award: Eurest
Young Chef Award: Tom Brassington, Restaurant Associates
Special Recognition Award: Steve Munkley MBE, Craft Guild of Chefs
Special Recognition Award: David Mulcahy, Craft Guild of Chefs
Special Recognition Award: Chris Burnham, The London Meat Company
Special Recognition Award: Tony Reynolds, Reynolds Foods
Special Recognition Award: Paschal Tiernan, James Knight of Mayfair