Clare Smyth MBE leads winners at 2025 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards

The esteemed Special Award was presented to Clare Smyth MBE, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the culinary world. As the first British female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the UK, Smyth’s influence and innovation continue to set new benchmarks in fine dining.

The former protégé of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Clare Smyth MBE became head chef at just 28 and as chef patron took on the three Michelin Star status at Hospital Road.

In her role as chef patron, she garnered critical acclaim including a rare ten out of ten from the Good Food Guide, Michelin Female Chef of the Year, The Catey Chef of the Year, and then awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to hospitality. In 2017, Smyth embarked on a bold new chapter, opening Core by Clare Smyth. Just one year later, Core earned two Michelin stars and by 2021 achieved the ultimate accolade – three Michelin stars.

David Mulcahy, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Clare Smyth is an exceptional talent whose leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence have not only shaped her own extraordinary career but inspired countless others in our profession. It is a privilege to honour her with this year’s Special Award.”

Clare Smyth joins an illustrious list of previous recipients of the Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award including Asma Khan, Simon Rogan, Angela Hartnett MBE, Michel Roux OBE & Albert Roux OBE, Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc OBE.

Other standout winners on the night include Adam Smith of Coworth Park for the Restaurant Chef Award, Luis Meza of Hilton London Metropole for the Pastry Chef Award and Kioku by Endo for the New Restaurant of the Year Award.

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards are among the most respected accolades in the hospitality industry, celebrating the talent, dedication, and impact of chefs working across all sectors. The full list of Craft Guild of Chefs 2025 winners:

Accredited College Restaurant Award (sponsored by Wafflemeister): The Silver Plate Restaurant, Sheffield College 

Apprentice Chef Award (sponsored by Compass Group – Foodbuy): Roselle Wu, ESS Compass Group UK & Ireland

Banqueting & Event Chef Award (sponsored by CleanEvent Services): Allen Townsend, Levy Goodwood

Chef Lecturer Award (sponsored by Panasonic): Darren Creed, Loughborough College

Competition Chef Award (sponsored by HRC 2026): Tom Phillips, Restaurant Story

Contract Catering Chef Award (sponsored by PizzaSi): Adam Thomason, Restaurant Associates

Culinary Hero Award (sponsored by Williams Refrigeration): Brian Magill, Freezer Friends Initiative

Development Chef Award (sponsored by Essential Cuisine): Gareth Bowen, Cunard

Pastry Chef Award (sponsored by Lakeland Dairies): Luis Meza, Hilton London Metropole

Pub Restaurant Chef Award (sponsored by Bonemasters): Luke Payne, The Pack Horse

Public Sector Chef Award (sponsored by Tugo Food Systems): Matt Lord, ESS

Restaurant Chef Award (sponsored by Unox): Adam Smith, Coworth Park

Street Food Chef Award (sponsored by Major International): Alec Tomasso, The Weeping Chef

Sustainability Excellence Award (sponsored by Rational): Tom and Laurissa Heywood, Pignut Restaurant

Young Chef Award (sponsored by Henley Bridge): Keira Carolan, Henrock by Simon Rogan

New Restaurant of the Year Award (sponsored by Lumina): Kioku by Endo

Special Award (sponsored by Sodexo): Clare Smyth MBE

Highlights from Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2025