Cream of the Crop! Catering Alumnus Tom Named National Young Chef of the Year
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Recent Loughborough College alumnus Tom Brassington has made his name on the national stage after he was crowned Young Chef of the Year at the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards ceremony in London.
Tom, who completed his Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification at Loughborough College last year, has built an impressive reputation within the hospitality industry through his exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
At the awards ceremony, Tom was praised for his “outstanding technical ability, professionalism and personal drive, consistently excelling both in the classroom and in competitive environments”.
This achievement is the latest in a long line of successes for Tom, whose accomplishments include winning the highly respected Nestlé Toque d’Or Professional competition and securing victory at Zest Quest Asia 2025 as part of the College’s winning team. Alongside these two triumphs whilst also completing his studies, Tom was also a key part of the student team that reached the final of the Young Restaurant Team of the Year competition, further showcasing his skills on a national level.
During his time at Loughborough College’s Radmoor Restaurant, Tom supported the College’s Junior Chef Academy, helping to inspire and mentor aspiring young chefs. He also broadened his culinary horizons through educational visits to Italy and Japan, gaining valuable insight into international cuisines and food cultures, and developing the high-level skills that have contributed to his latest accolade.
Curriculum Head of Hospitality and Catering at Loughborough College, Darren Creed said: “Tom’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication, professionalism, and passion he demonstrated throughout his time with us.
“He has always embraced every opportunity to learn, challenge himself and support others, so to be recognised as the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef of the Year is an incredible accomplishment and another milestone in what is already proving to be an exceptional career. We are immensely proud of everything Tom has achieved and look forward to following his continued success in the industry.”
