Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist (YYY) Wales 2024, hosted by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), has crowned its winners.
Alex Dunham of The Whitebrook was winner of Young Chef, Jack Williams of Penmaenuchaf Hotel was winner of Young Waiter, and James Borley of The Dead Canary was the winner of Young Mixologist.
Runners up were Dalton Weir of The Toad (Young Chef), Enes Hatipoglu of The Celtic Collection (Young Waiter) and Ellen Budd of Penny (Mixologist.)
The winners have secured a place in the World finals to represent Wales on the global stage in Singapore, showcasing their talents to world-class chefs, hospitality experts, and mixologists.
Providing a platform for the best-of-the-best, and to show the world what Wales has to offer, the competition activity culminated in a lunch served to judges at Swansea.Com Stadium, ahead of a gala awards ceremony where the winners were announced.
James Borley said:
“It means the absolute world to me to have won. It’s been an honour to compete with my fellow contestants. It’s always wonderful to see everyone working so hard and it inspires me to go on now to Singapore. It feels slightly terrifying, but I cannot wait.”
At just 18, Jack Williams was the youngest competitor.
He said:
“I could not have won without everyone in my team. They played an amazing part, especially the chef with his creative mind and the mixologist with his amazing cocktail.”
Alex Dunham added:
“To win the competition, to be honest is a massive milestone in my career. It’s why I became a chef.”
Dr Jayne Griffith-Parry, Academic Director of Hospitality and Tourism Management courses at UWTSD and Wales competition lead for YYY, said:
“Yet again we have been able to witness the exceptional young talent that is within Wales, and what makes hospitality so special as they work together even within a competitive format to excel. Supported by local producers across the whole food and beverage range makes this competition so special and showcases all that we do so very well in Wales. The winners now have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on the world stage and will be supported in the meantime by our hospitality partners and our specialist lecturers to ensure that they are well prepared.”
YYY Chairman Robert Walton, MBE said:
“Now we know the team that will represent Wales at the World Championships in Singapore. Let’s see how they do again on the World stage with other chefs w aiters, and mixologists from around the world, it’s always an incredible experience for these young stars of tomorrow.
“I am so pleased the University has the support of local producers and great to have UWTSD at the forefront promoting sustainable practices for this competition. This will enhance a deeper connection and preserve the rich culinary heritage here but also ensuring a brighter, greener future.
“There is a lot to do between now and the world finals in November and I wish Wales all the best in Singapore.”
The panel of judges for YYY Wales 2024, for the chef category were Hywel Griffith of the Beach House, Oxwich, Tom Barnes of Skof Manchester, Martyn Guest, Head Chef at Swansea City AFC, and Kevin Hodson of UWTSD.
The judges for the waiter category were Lola Villard- Coles UWTSD, Christophe Stocker from Pembrokeshire College, Richard Littleton, Cardiff and Vale College, Huw Morgan from Coleg Ceredigion and Antoinette Milne UWTSD as specialist wine judge.
The Mixology judges were Christopher Wilkin UWTSD, Paul Robinson, Chief Creative Officer of Neft Vodka, James Thomas of Compass Cymru/Levy, Louis Jones, Head Mixologist at Altitude 28, and Josh Brown, Head Distiller at Hensol Gin.
Surplus produce from the event was delivered to Matthew’s House in Swansea, whose aim is to provide a ‘home’ in the heart of Swansea for those who are most vulnerable. A building that is known for unconditional hospitality and hope – providing a lifeline for the homeless and others who need it.
Established in 1979, the competition has solidified its presence as a fundamental event in the UK hospitality industry calendar, showcasing groups of exceptionally talented young chefs, waiters, and mixologists, each competing for the prestigious title of the Young Chef, Young Waiter, Young Mixologist winner. The competition is open to all chefs’ waiters and mixologists working in Wales who are under 28 years old, from any background.
Sponsors of the awards were Compass Cymru, Marriott International, Gower Gin, In the Welsh Wind, Hensol Distillery, Penderyn, Mor Ladron, Howells Butchers, Swansea Fish, Whitecastle Vineyards, Fine Wines Direct and Moolson Coors.
