A Lake District chef has been named the best in the North West.
Hope Ryall-Thurlow, a demi-chef de partie at Henrock by Simon Rogan at Bowness, was named Young North West Chef of the Year 2026 following a cook-off.
The former Academy by Simon Rogan student competed against other chefs Lewis Higgs from The Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, Ivan Barzev from Rookery Hall, Nantwich, Marley Rimmer from Storrs Hall, Bowness, Ben Cleary from Forest Side, Grasmere and Benjamin Meir from Skof, Manchester.
The competition, for chefs aged 25 and under, saw them tasked with producing a three-course menu for two people for £30, using ingredients which championed seasonal, locally sourced North West produce within two hours.
In the final, Hope cooked asparagus, poached egg with Hollandaise Sauce for her starter, Cartmel Valley venison, woodruff-cured lardo, radicchio and celeriac for her main course and Set chamomile cream, preserved apples, meadow biscuit and cobnuts for her dessert.
Hope impressed the judging panel that included Paul Askew, of the Art School Restaurant in Liverpool, James Lovatt, of Moor Hall in Aughton, Tom Shepherd of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, and Steven Doherty, a legendary figure in British gastronomy and the first English chef to lead a three Michelin-starred kitchen.
Her composure, creativity and technical ability throughout the competition set her apart from a field of outstanding competitors.
As overall winner, Hope will now automatically progress to the semi-final of the Young National Chef of the Year, held on June 24 and run by the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Hope said: “It was such a happy surprise to be crowned winner. It was amazing to be able to cook for the judges and to meet all the other incredible competitors.
“It’s a great competition, and a lot of thanks should go to Brian and Caroline for all the hard work they put into bringing it back.”
Mark McCabe, head chef at Henrock, said: “I’m so proud of Hope for winning Young North West Chef of the Year. It’s a true testament to her hard work and talent, and particularly at such a young age, it’s clear she has a very bright future ahead of her.”
First established in 2001 and relaunched this year by Taste Hospitality Recruitment in partnership with founder Brian Mellor, the Young North West Chef of the Year has long been a catalyst for culinary careers across Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
