Wales is ready to demonstrate some of the best emerging hospitality talent at the finals of the Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist competition Wales 2025 which is scheduled to take place at the Swansea.com Stadium on Monday, September 22, 2025. In this nationally acclaimed competition, participants aged 28 and under, who work in the Welsh hospitality industry, have the unique opportunity to be crowned a chef, waiter, or mixologist and possibly represent Wales at the global level. England’s University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is responsible for organizing this prestigious event.
This competition is a quintessential component of UWTSD’s broader hospitality and tourism management focused institution. Moreover, the programs are accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum and experiences in the hospitality sector. In the Welsh context, this annual event demonstrates the increasing prominence of hospitality in the country. It also allows participants to evaluate their competencies in the field in a more competitive environment.
This year, a dynamic group of young talents from across Wales will compete in three categories: Young Chef, Young Waiter, and Young Mixologist. The finalists hail from prestigious establishments such as Penmaenuchaf, Beach House, The Welsh House, and Swansea.com, with competitors eager to demonstrate their creativity, technical skill, and passion for the industry.
In the Young Chef category, finalists like Rob Griffiths from Penmaenuchaf and Edward Junaidean from The Welsh House will showcase their culinary prowess, while in the Young Waiter category, hopefuls such as Joseph Young and Arwen Garland will demonstrate their excellent service skills and hospitality knowledge. Meanwhile, in the Young Mixologist category, the competition will feature talented mixologists like Adhwaith Chandra from Browns in Cardiff, ready to impress the judges with their innovative cocktail creations.
These finalists are not just competing for a title, but for the opportunity to make a significant mark in the world of global hospitality, with many hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous winners who represented Wales at the World Young Chef Young Waiter finals in Singapore.
UWTSD’s hospitality programmes are designed to ensure that students are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed to succeed in the industry. Competitions like Young Chef Young Waiter are an essential part of this approach, offering students a platform to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition while still in their academic careers.
This hands-on experience is invaluable, providing future chefs, waiters, and mixologists with opportunities to interact with leading industry professionals, build networks, and learn first-hand about the latest trends and challenges in the hospitality sector. This not only benefits the participants but also strengthens the overall quality of hospitality services available to tourists and travellers visiting Wales.
The competition reflects Wales’ growing reputation as a culinary and hospitality destination, and it plays a significant role in promoting local produce and the country’s rich food culture. Many of the young chefs competing in the finals utilise Welsh ingredients, demonstrating the versatility and quality of local produce in contemporary, fine-dining experiences. The event also serves as a platform for showcasing sustainable practices within the hospitality sector, with the surplus food from the competition donated to Matthew’s House in Swansea, a local charity supporting vulnerable people.
This emphasis on sustainability aligns with Wales’ broader tourism goals, which include promoting eco-tourism, local cuisine, and responsible travel. The competition not only celebrates young talent but also highlights the importance of sustainable practices in Wales’ hospitality industry, contributing to a positive and responsible tourism environment.
The success of the 2024 Young Chef Young Waiter competition set a high bar for this year’s competitors. Alex Dunham, Jack Williams, and James Borley triumphed in their respective categories and went on to represent Wales at the World Young Chef Young Waiter finals in Singapore. Their participation on the global stage further elevated Wales’ standing in the international hospitality community, and this year’s finalists are hoping to follow in their footsteps.
These annual competitions provide Wales with a unique opportunity to showcase its best hospitality talent and encourage the next generation of hospitality professionals to pursue excellence in the field. This, in turn, contributes to the country’s growing tourism industry by ensuring that visitors receive top-tier service and an authentic Welsh experience during their stay.
For tourists visiting Wales, the competition’s finalists offer a glimpse into the future of hospitality in the region. With Wales’ reputation for exceptional local cuisine and unique dining experiences continuing to grow, travellers can expect to see even greater diversity and quality in the services available. Wales’ tourism sector stands to benefit significantly from the recognition and support of young, talented professionals in the hospitality industry.
As the competition evolves, it will further solidify Wales’ position as a hub for culinary tourism and world-class hospitality, attracting more visitors who seek to explore the rich cultural and culinary experiences the country has to offer. Through this event, UWTSD continues to make a lasting impact on the industry, driving economic growth and helping young professionals carve out rewarding careers in hospitality.
The Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist Wales 2025 competition is crucial event for the Welsh hospitality industry. UWTSD’s student accomplishments demonstrate the competition’s purpose for the country’s rising tourism industry, blending lasting hospitality with excellence in food, service, and sustainability. Wales has much to offer for anyone wanting to travel at the moment, especially with the hospitality industry’s new generation ready to come forth.
