21/05/2026
Some days remind you exactly why this industry matters & yesterday was one of them.
We had the privilege of attending the International Wine & Food Society’s Awards Lunch for Young Chef & Sommelier 2026, and walking away, we felt something that’s hard to put into words.
For the last 5 years, we’ve had the honour of sponsoring the IWFS for their Young Chef & Sommelier competition, and year after year we get to watch young people stand up and show the world what they’re made of. Their skill, their knowledge and the quiet confidence of someone who has put in the hours because they genuinely love what they do. Every year, without fail, we leave blown away.
The talent coming through in the UK right now is something special. These aren’t “just” students; they’re the chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and front-of-house teams that will shape how the rest of us experience food and hospitality for decades to come. At a time when the industry needs passion more than ever, it’s impossible not to feel moved by how much of it was in that room yesterday.
To everyone who won, Congratulations. You’ve earned it. To everyone who put themselves forward, thank you. That took courage, and it matters more than you know.
We’re honoured to play even the smallest part in your journey. Keep going. 🤍