#010 - Chef's on the Pass - Young National Chef of the Year - The Heat of Competition

Chefs on the Pass

This month, and with competition season fast approaching, Phil dives into the Young National Chef of the Year competition with three outstanding chefs who know all about the heat of the kitchen, both in service and on the competition stage.

Strap in as Phil chats with:

Rosie Welch – From culinary school skeptic to running her own dining events company.

Keira Carolan – A farm-to-fine-dining chef who thrives on open-fire cooking.

Jonny Smith – A fierce competitor who turned years of relentless practice into a championship winning moment.

Inside the Episode:

The journey to competing at the highest level isn’t for the faint hearted. Expect a behind-the-scenes look at:

• What drives a chef to step into the pressure cooker of competition.
• The sleepless nights, practice runs, and make-or-break moments in the kitchen.
• The pure adrenaline rush (and sheer terror!) of presenting dishes to Michelin-starred judges.
• The unfiltered emotions when the winners are finally announced.

Listen now to hear:

• How competition shapes a chef’s career and mindset.
• The secrets to staying cool under pressure (even when something suddenly stops working!).
• What happens when you put your all into a dish—only to wait agonising hours for the verdict.

This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the kind of competitive spirit that makes the culinary world so exhilarating. Whether you're a chef, foodie, or just love a great competition story—this one’s for you!

Contact Us:

Phil Street (Host) – Connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/philstreet/

Craft Guild of Chefs Website – craftguildofchefs.org

Jonny Smith

Rosie Welch

Kiera Carolan

**Support Our Sponsors:**

This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment - https://www.ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk/

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the heart of the hospitality industry on "Chefs on the Pass"!