May 26, 2026 - 80 views
Two talented catering students are heading to the national finals of one of the UK’s top young chef competitions after impressing judges with their sustainable seafood creations.
Bethan Edwards and Celyn Edwards, both 19 and studying for a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery at Coleg Llandrillo, have secured a place in the National Seafood Chef of the Year final following a standout performance in the regional heats.
The competition took place at the college’s Orme View Restaurant and Kitchen on May 15, where the pair prepared a three-course menu using carefully selected sustainable seafood ingredients.
The duo were named among the two highest-scoring teams of the day, earning a coveted place in the national final at The Grimsby Institute on June 12.
Bethan said it was “a great honour” to represent the college in the prestigious competition.
“We worked hard to get to this point,” she said, while Celyn added that the experience had helped boost her confidence and creativity when working with fish.
Ahead of the regional round, the students spent weeks researching ingredients, techniques and presentation ideas to refine their menu and maximise their scores.
The National Seafood Competition, now in its 29th year, is regarded as one of the leading contests for trainee chefs across the UK. Open to full-time catering students and apprentice chefs, it focuses on skill, innovation and the use of sustainably sourced seafood.
At the final in Grimsby, Bethan and Celyn will prepare their full three-course menu live in front of judges before tackling a surprise mystery ingredient challenge designed to test their creativity under pressure. They will also demonstrate advanced filleting and knife skills.
Celyn said she is looking forward to the next stage of the competition and the chance to further refine their dishes following feedback from judges.
Glen Hughes, Catering Lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, praised the students’ dedication and professionalism throughout the process.
He said: “They have given up their own time to practise, refine their skills, and perfect their dishes, and their hard work has truly paid off. Reaching the final is a reflection of both their talent and determination.”
The achievement is another boost for Coleg Llandrillo’s hospitality and catering department, which has built a strong reputation for developing talented young chefs in north Wales.
More information about hospitality and catering courses offered by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai can be found on the group’s website.
