A talented Donegal woman has been crowned UK’s Young National Chef of the Year for 2026.
Keira Carolan (21), from Coolyslin, Castlefinn, won over the judges with her ‘exceptional’ three-course meal while being ‘technically brilliant’ at the finals at the University of West London. The prestigious competition is run by the Craft Guild of Chefs and she was unveiled as the winner at Sunday’s glitzy awards ceremony at The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, London. Keira finished in an impressive third place in last year’s competition and, clearly, her career is on an upward trajectory.
She was rewarded for her big win with a number of vouchers to Michelin Star restaurants as well as £3,000 from the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London to spend on culinary development.
A daughter of Anne Marie and James, she began working in kitchens as early as 15 years of age. After finishing her secondary education at Holy Cross College in Strabane, she got her first start at ‘Buffers’ restaurant at Oakfield Park, Raphoe, before moving on to ‘The Banks’ eatery in Strabane. From there, and instead of going to catering college, Keira applied to ‘The Simon Rogan Academy’, and got accepted.
She subsequently moved to the Lake District where she worked at Simon Rogan’s restaurants, including Rogan & Co, L’Enclume and Henrock, during her apprenticeship. She also attended her Academy course at Kendal College.
Since graduating from the Academy, she now works at Henrock under Chef Mark McCabe of the recent Great British Menu fame.
During her career in the UK she has won : National Seafood Chef of the Year which she competed in with her partner Dylan Evan’s, also a chef; Lancashire Life Young Chef of the Year and Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef of the Year Award
And, of course, last weekend she was crowned Young National Chef of the Year for 2026. Well done Keira!
Donegal woman crowned UK’s Young National Chef of the Year! was last modified: October 9th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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