Aramark UK (a leading foodservice partner, serving workplaces, sports and entertainment venues, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government services nationally) recently chose New College Durham’s restaurant, The Copper Pot, to host the competition to name its 2025 Chef of the Year.
A key event in Aramark’s annual calendar, the competition aims to inspire and nurture chef talent while promoting creativity and originality. Following a rigorous application process, nine finalists earned their place in the final held at New College Durham. They were tasked with creating a three-course menu for four people, including a vegan starter, using mystery ingredients provided the day before the event. All the finalists impressed the judges with their remarkable dishes. However, it was Stuart Fildes’ inventive menu that secured the victory, earning him the title of Chef of the Year.
The judging panel also included New College Durham’s Deputy Chief Executive Karl Fairley and Chief Finance Officer Paul Bradley as judges.
Si Chambers, Head of School Creative and Service Industries, New College Durham, said:
“It was fantastic to host such a prestigious competition here on our campus, and it was fitting that the winner represented the Education & Health sector. This highlights the positive relationship between education and business. Whether it is creative or other industries, we take great pride in creating curricula in partnership with businesses to ensure our students are industry ready as soon as they take the step into employment. I look forward to seeing one our alumni being so successful in the near future.”
The chefs were evaluated not only on the imagination and modernity of their menus but also on their demonstration of seasonality, sustainability, and minimal waste.
Stuart Fildes, Executive Chef within its Education & Healthcare sector, the eventual winner, now qualifies to compete in Aramark’s prestigious global competition, the International Chefs’ Cup, to be held in Shanghai, China, later this year.
Fiona Martin, Managing Director at Aramark UK commented, “We congratulate all our finalists and in particular Stuart, and wish him well in Shanghai. We also extend our thanks to New College Durham for hosting the 2025 Chef of the Year competition in their exceptional facilities. The Copper Pot restaurant provides a fantastic setting that not only showcases culinary talent but also inspires future chefs. It’s fantastic to be able to work with an institution that is committed to nurturing the next generation of catering professionals. We hope this event has sparked creativity and ambition in those who attended, and we look forward to seeing how it inspires future talent in the culinary industry.”