Eat Wild is excited to announce that entries are now open for Essential Cuisine’s Pub Chef of the Year 2025 competition. Taking place in the Live Theatre at the International Salon Culinaire, this prestigious event invites chefs from pubs across the UK to showcase their creativity and skill with wild game, a cornerstone of British culinary heritage.
The Challenge: Mastering Game in Pub Classics
Scheduled for Wednesday, 19th March 2025, at ExCeL London, competitors will have 45 minutes to prepare a Pub Classic main course for two covers, featuring either venison or pheasant as the hero ingredient.
Judges will evaluate dishes based on:
- A fresh twist on a traditional pub favourite.
- Practicality and efficiency for service in a busy kitchen.
- Seasonal, accessible ingredients that ensure profitability without compromising quality.
This competition highlights the versatility of wild game, challenging chefs to honour its rich flavours while creating dishes that are innovative, approachable, and suitable for pub menus.
To elevate their entries, chefs must also incorporate at least one Essential Cuisine product, showcasing how these premium ingredients can deepen flavours and streamline preparation.
Competition Details
- Date: Wednesday, 19th March 2025.
- Location: Live Theatre, International Salon Culinaire, ExCeL London.
- Provided Ingredients: One whole pheasant or 300g of venison loin. Competitors must supply all other ingredients and equipment.
- Additional Requirements: Typed menu card, recipe sheet, and allergen information must be presented to the judges.
Competitors will also have optional access to St Ewe Eggs and Cornish Sea Salt on the day.
Exclusive Training: Game Up Skill Event
Finalists will be invited to the Game Up Skill Event, a hands-on workshop taking place on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, at the RAK Ceramics Design Hub in London.
Run in partnership with the British Institute of Innkeepers, Eat Wild, Montgomery Events, and Essential Cuisine, this workshop will focus on:
- Advanced techniques for preparing game.
- Maximising flavour and efficiency in pub kitchen operations.
- Creative ideas to modernise game-based dishes for today’s pub diners.
Showcasing British Culinary Heritage
Gary Kilminster of Essential Cuisine commented:
“Game has a deep-rooted place in British cuisine, and this competition is a celebration of its versatility, flavour, and sustainability. We’re thrilled to support chefs in mastering these exceptional ingredients, encouraging them to explore new ways to bring British wild game to life on pub menus. This is a chance to shine on a national stage, blending tradition with innovation.”
How to Enter
- Click here to fill in the entry form.
- Explore Essential Cuisine products at Essential Cuisine Products.
- Request product samples or further information by contacting Gary at Gary.Kilminster@essentialcuisine.com.
This competition is open to all chefs working in a pub environment, regardless of role or experience.
