Welcome to the 27th Annual
Skills for Chefs Conference
Our aim is to showcase the talents of leading chefs, share skills and knowledge, spotlight topical issues affecting chefs and to network with colleagues and suppliers in the UK’s culinary industry.
The next Skills for Chefs Conference will take place on Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd July 2026. Our opening evening will start with an audience with John Williams MBE. The following day will include the conference programme and exhibition, culminating in the Gala Awards Dinner that evening, where the Young Restaurant Team of the Year winners will be revealed.
CULINARY WORKSHOPS
Once again a stellar line-up of chefs will be involved in business sessions and culinary demonstrations.
CONFERENCE EXHIBITION
A vibrant trade exhibition that brings together suppliers and chefs from across the UK.
COMPETITION
The finals of the Young Restaurant Team of the Year will see catering students put through their paces.
OUR HEADLINE PARTNERS
PRESENTING CHEFS IN 2026The conference will open with a fascinating Evening with John Williams MBE, the celebrated chef who recently achieved two Michelin Stars for The Ritz London. The on stage interview will be hosted by Joe Hurd.
The final session of the day will be a panel of chefs assembled from the business programme hosted by Joe Hurd.
JOHN WILLIAMS MBE
John Williams MBE is the Executive Chef at The Ritz London. Born in South Shields, he began his culinary career in 1974 and joined The Ritz in 2004. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2017 and a second in 2025. In 2025, The Ritz was also named the Best Restaurant in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards.
JOE HURD
As a chef, Joe has worked alongside Heston Blumenthal, Gennaro Contaldo,
Francesco Mazzei and the late, Antonio Carluccio. He’s a regular guest presenter on BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen, and on stage at festivals and events across the UK.