Game Chef of the Year 2025 Winner Announced!

The Master Chefs of Great Britain held the inaugural Game Chef of the Year at City of Glasgow College on Tuesday 21st October. 

Eight finalists competed in a cook-off at the Glasgow college demonstrating technical skill, creativity, respect and understanding of the game that they were cooking.

The judges 2* Michelin Stephen McLaughlin, Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean, Executive Chef Mario Perera and Andrew Fairlie Scholarship winner Darren Seggie were all impressed with the standard and innovation of the all of the dishes.

MCGB Game Chef 2025 Winning plate by Callum Smart. Image Credit Camerashy Photography.

Callum’s dish – Le Lievre Rossini included hare loin, cashew ‘foie gras’, wild mushrooms and blackberries, served with a leg and offal parcel.  A dish reimagining of Hare a la Royale and Tournedos Rossini using local Scottish game and whole animal cookery.

Callum’s dish was beautifully presented and absolutely nailed the brief.  The comment from the judges was that this was “Scotland on a plate”.

Callum gave some of the background to his love of cooking game, saying, “showcasing Hare in the final was such a privilege. I first cooked hare back when I was in Scouts, cooking it in a makeshift oven in the middle of a wood.”

He explained that, “winning Game Chef of the Year is an incredible honour. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that goes into every dish — not just from me, but from the amazing team at The Little Chartroom and the producers who inspire and support me every day.”

He also walks away with prizes of  £2000 cash, a stage at 2*Michelin Lalique Restaurant Glenturret and a three day trip to Venice with Unox.

The standard from all the competing chefs from across the UK was outstanding. The judges were so impressed by both the number of entries and the quality of the recipes submitted far outweighing expectations, that The Master Chefs of Great Britain decided to put twice the anticipated number of entrants through to the final.

Callum ended with a note of respect to his contemporaries, saying, “one of the best things about being in the competition was being around like minded chefs. All putting themselves out of there comfort zones and showcase a range of game meats. Seeing all the plates of food was awesome and inspiring.”

Game Chef 2025 Winner Callum Smart and MCGB Chairman George McIvor. Image Credit Camerashy Photography.