Food & Drink | Posted on August 27th, 2025 | return to news

Bon appetit! Competition success for two Dorset chefs

Two local chefs have made it to the finals of the regional South West Chef of the Year competition.

Two chefs from Weymouth and Poole have reached the finals in their categories of the South West Chef of the Year competition.

Ben Kittow from Weymouth has secured a place in the semi-finals in the Professional Chef category. Kittow, who is sous chef at the Catch at The Old Fish Market in Weymouth, will compete against seven others from across the south west in the prestigious competition.

Meanwhile, Harry Mason from Lytchett Minster School in Poole won the Dorset Junior Chef of the Year title and will represent Dorset in the regional final. To help develop their skills, junior chefs are each assigned a mentor; Harry’s mentor is Jamie Jones from Yalbury Cottage, Lower Bockhampton.

The South West Chef of the Year competition was established by Michael Caines, a two-Michelin-starred chef from Exeter, in 2004. The competition sees professional, young professionals, student/apprentices, juniors and home cooks battle to win the sought-after title.

Caines said: “We’re delighted to have received entries from such a range of skilled and innovative chefs and we’re looking forward to seeing them in action in the kitchen.

“The South West has a truly world-class larder and some of the most exciting culinary talent in the country. This competition shines a light on both. It provides a valuable opportunity for chefs — whether professionals or enthusiastic home cooks — to challenge themselves, develop their skills and gain recognition from the very best in the industry.”

This year’s competition culminates on Tuesday 28 October, with the Professional and Student/Apprentice Chef finals at Exeter College. The day concludes with an Awards Presentation Dinner at Exeter Golf and Country Club, where guests will enjoy a four-course meal cooked by judges and former winners.

For more information and to buy tickets for the awards dinner, visit www.southwestchef.co.uk.