Student Pastry Chef of The Year 2026 is Open for Entries

Get ready to shine! The Chefs’ Forum is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting entries for the 6th annual Student Pastry of the Year competition. This competition highlights the best up-and-coming pastry talent in the UK while promoting the diverse career paths available in the industry.

Who Can Enter: Any student or apprentice in the UK currently studying a hospitality or catering course/apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements: Submit your application package, which must include:

1. Your CV.
2. Three photographs of your pastry work (desserts, cakes, or decorative pieces).
3. A description (written or video format) explaining your reasons for entering.

Closing date for entries: Friday 6th February at 5pm.

Meet the judges:

• Michael Kwan – Executive Pastry Chef at The Dorchester and UK Pastry Team
• Bobby Singer – Executive Pastry Chef at The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay
• Michael D’Angelo – Chef Director at MDA Consultancy
• Franciane Tartari – Pastry Chef Consultant
• Biju Joshwa – Executive Pastry Chef at Sheraton Grand Park Lane
• Rebecca Marshman – Group Head Pastry Chef at BaxterStorey
• Mohan Boddula – Freelance Pastry Chef
• Nelson Sa – Head Pastry Chef at Lilibet’s Mayfair
• Miranda Reci – Freelance Pastry Chef
• Thibault Hauchard – Executive Pastry Chef at Claridge’s
• Benoit Blin – Judge on Bake Off: The Professionals & Chef Consultant at Blin Consulting
• Mauro Di Lieto – Product Development Director at The Gourmet Patisserie &Winner of Bake Off: The Professionals 2023
• Martin Chiffers – International Pastry Consultant
• Szilard Szentesi – Executive Pastry Chef at Mar Hall & Vice Chair of Association of Pastry Chefs
• Danny Lockwood – Group Head Pastry Chef at King Street Townhouse Hotel (THG Experience)
• Clanny Rodrigues – Head Pastry Chef at Sexy Fish Mayfair & Finalist of Bake Off: The Professionals 2020

Cornwall College stole the crown in this year’s competition, with two students on the finalist podium. However, it was student Phoebe Mortimer’s winning display that edged the win. In a closely contested finale, the judges were thoroughly impressed by her technically precise, beautifully presented, and highly artistic work, which included the unforgettable Tropical Arctic plated dessert and her two accompanying petit fours: the Lychee Lime Fizz and the Nutty-Nana.

Joint Head Judge Franciane Tartari said:

“The Chefs’ Forum Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 showcased an extraordinary level of talent, creativity and precision from our next generation of pastry chefs. Witnessing these young professionals rise to the challenge was nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to Phoebe Mortimer from Cornwall College, her artistry, skill, kindness and composure truly set her apart as a deserving winner. The future of British pâtisserie is in brilliant hands.”

If you’d like to be in with the chance to join Phoebe in making Student Pastry Chef of The Year history, email alexandra@redcherry.uk.com to find out more!