Coleg Llandrillo cooking champions heading to the National Seafood Chef of the Year Final
Catering students Bethan and Celyn qualify for the National Seafood Chef of the Year final in Grimsby.
Bethan Edwards and Celyn Edwards, both 19, are studying for a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea site. The pair created a three-course menu using specially selected sustainable seafood for the regional final that took place at Coleg Llandrillo’s Orm View Restaurant and Kitchen on Friday 15th May.
“It was a great honour to be selected to represent the college in this competition,” said Bethan.
“We worked hard to get to this point and through competing, I have grown in confidence working with fish and improved my skills and creativity,” added Celyn.
The pair put in a lot of work before the regional heats to research what ingredients they should use and how to present them in the best possible way.
On the day, the Coleg Llandrillo duo were one of the two top scoring teams, securing their place in the upcoming final round at the Grimsby Institute in North East Lincolnshire on Friday 12th June 2026.
During the final Celyn and Bethan will prepare their three course menu live, showcasing their ability and innovative seafood creations. They will also be given a surprise mystery ingredient test to produce a dish on the spot and will demonstrate their filleting and knife skills.
The National Seafood Competition, in association with The Grimsby Institute, is now in its 29th year. It is open to all full-time students and college-based apprentice chefs.
This highly regarded competition gives trainee chefs a platform to demonstrate their flair, understanding, skill, and ability using seafood from sustainable sources.
“I am excited about competing in the finals and being able to demonstrate our skills again after getting our feedback from the judges and being able to refine our dishes,” said Celyn.
Glen Hughes, Catering Lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, said: “Congratulations to our students on the fantastic achievement of reaching the final. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, commitment, and professionalism they have shown throughout the competition. They have given up their own time to practise, refine their skills, and perfect their dishes, and their hard work has truly paid off. Reaching the final is a reflection of both their talent and determination.”
Best of luck to Celyn and Bethan for the final!
Thinking of a career in the catering and hospitality industry? It’s not too late to start your story with us. Visit our website to see the range of catering courses offered across the Grŵp: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/hospitality-and-catering
