STV NewsScotland’s young stars in hospitality were honoured this week at a prestigious awards ceremony held at Gleneagles.
Young Chef, Young Waiter is a competition which launched in 1979, providing a springboard for some of the UK’s top cooks.
This week, 12 entrants, all under the age of 28, were put through their paces at Gleneagles Hotel, in their bid to qualify for a global hospitality event.
The winners of the 2025 Scotland categories were Sam Chatterji (Mixologist), Belana Negri (Waiter) and Amber Rissmann (Chef).
STV NewsTheir performances were under the watchful eye of a series of judges, including Scotland’s only female Michelin star chef, Lorna McNee.
“As head judge, I’m looking for great flavour, great cooking techniques, making sure they’re using those waste products throughout their menu,” she said.
“The main thing is that it’s delicious and the guys are enjoying themselves.”
In recent years the competition has been expanded to include bar staff.
“I was actually the runner up last year,” said Kyle Stewart, who competed in the mixology category.
STV News“My colleague from my work won, so we got first and second last year.”
Competitors are judged on their ability to create courses with no wasted ingredients and on their knowledge of their menus.
“Gordon Ramsay was a judge for Marcus Wareing,” said Robert Walton, the competition’s chairman.
“Simon King who now runs Heston Blumenthal’s group, was a winner of young waiter.
“It’s huge opportunities for mixology, waiters and chefs.”
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