Young Devon chef named UK's best

Culinary star wows judges

A young chef from Devon has been crowned the UK's best after winning one of the world's most acclaimed cooking competitions.

28-year-old Harrison Brockington, who owns the Gather restaurant in Totnes, scooped the prestigious Roux Scholarship by beating five other finalists.

Brockington impressed judges with his Mediterranean-inspired surf 'n' turf dish. To take the title, he progressed through a tough paper-judging round and regional finals.

The junior culinary star was trained at the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College and worked in several Devon kitchens. 

Brockington, who has previously appeared on 'MasterChef: The Professionals' and whose restaurant has been featured on Channel 4, will now enjoy a two-month stage at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant somewhere in the world.

Shortly after being named the winner, Harrison said, “I'm over the moon. I just can't believe it. I only entered this competition to see how far I could get. I never thought I could do it!”

Harrison will receive £6,000, with an additional £6,000 awarded if he remains in his current role for a further 15 months.

He will also undertake a bespoke training programme tailored to his ambitions, interests and skills gaps, alongside a range of prizes and culinary experiences provided by the competition’s sponsors and partners.

Past winners have gone on to earn Michelin stars and become leaders in the industry.