Fildes wins Aramark’s Chef of the Year comp

Aramark UK has named Stuart Fildes, executive chef within its education and healthcare sector, as its 2025 Chef of the Year. The annual competition challenges chefs from across the business to showcase their culinary skills and compete for the winning title.

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. 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.

'Immersive starter inspired by Japanese koi ponds'
Fildes’ winning menu included Fishing For Gold, an immersive starter inspired by Japanese koi ponds with a Shanghai-style crystal dumpling, accompanied by a QR code activating sound effects and ‘fish food’ enhancing the theatre of the dish. Following this was a No Smoke Without Fire venison main and an Autumn Terrarium dessert.

He said: “I’m in shock! Getting to participate in the final and flex my fine dining skills has been a true test, and I’m so pleased with how it’s gone. The level of skill among the finalists was super high, and to have been named Chef of the Year is both unexpected and such an honour.”

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