Young chef claims £5,000 scholarship in new Craft Guild scheme

Francisco Brewer has been named the winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs’ inaugural Young Chef Scholarship.

The new award is designed to recognise burgeoning culinary talent and support them with mentorship and funding for professional development.

Brewer will receive up to £5,000 for development and will be offered hands-on experience with top chefs.

Brewer, who started his career as a commis chef at the Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant Palmito in Brighton before moving to Michelin-starred restaurant Luca, said he would use some of the funding to gain experience in Mexico and Columbia, experiencing cuisines he is interested in developing in the UK.

He added: “My ambition is to open a restaurant here that prioritises sustainability, ethical sourcing and strong community ties. A restaurant in which every dish reflects my passion for great flavours alongside my commitment to doing things the right way.”

The Young Chef Scholarship was created Craft Guild of Chefs’ vice-president Steve Munkley.

He said: “Francisco’s dedication to honing his craft, along with his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the culinary world, made him the ideal candidate for this year’s award. We were all impressed with his culinary passion and his mature approach to his work and the industry.”