Artemis Master Chef Team of the Year 2026: Setting the Stage for Culinary Excellence

At Artemis, food is never just food. It’s a moment, a memory, and a powerful expression of who we are. That’s why we’re proud to announce the return of the Artemis Master Chef Team of the Year for 2026. This internal event celebrates the creativity, skill, and togetherness of our chefs across the group.

Designed to bring our culinary teams together, the competition is about far more than winning. It’s a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and innovation – championing the talent our chefs develop day in, day out within their venues, and through ongoing training and development. At its heart, the initiative reflects our commitment to investing in our people, recognising achievement, and nurturing passion across the business.

A look back at last year’s event

Last January, our kitchens became the stage for an unforgettable showdown, as chefs from across the group came together for the 2025 competition. Hosted at Syrencot, the event was a true celebration of teamwork under pressure, seasonal creativity, and technical excellence.

We were thrilled to crown Tom Francis of Crumplebury and Matthew Thomson of Curradine Barns as the 2025 champions. Their winning dishes showcased bold ideas, exceptional execution, and a deep understanding of flavour – all while working seamlessly as a team.

Artemis Master Chef Team of the Year 2025 Winning Menu

Starter – Pan fried turbot, turbot croquette, artichoke puree with pickled radish and a herb oil split butter sauce.
Main – Pan fried duck breast, duck leg rillette, fondant potato, pickled blackberrys, roast butternut squash puree with a red wine jus.

Chefs were challenged to create standout plates using seasonal British ingredients, including wood pigeon, oysters, bream, and venison. The results were imaginative, refined, and full of confidence – a reflection of the standards our guests experience at every Artemis event.

Beyond the competition itself, the day embodied everything Artemis stands for: passion for our craft, adaptability in the kitchen, and togetherness across venues. It was a proud moment for our teams – and a powerful reminder that when we collaborate, we raise the bar for everyone.

The Heat Is On: A Week of Standout Talent at Artemis Master Chef 2026

Last week marked the start of our 2026 competition, with our three heats taking place. Across the group, chefs came together to represent their venues, working in pairs to showcase not only technical skill, but the values that define Artemis: togetherness, passion and adaptability. Seasonal ingredients, tight timeframes and high expectations made each heat a true test, and our teams delivered.

Keep an eye on our social channels over the coming days for behind-the-scenes moments from the heats, standout dishes, and a closer look at the teams in action, including the all-important reveal of who’s heading through to the final next week.

The countdown is on.