STEVE SELWOOD CROWNED ACE ROBYNS WINNER
Steve Selwood has been named the 2026 ACE Robyns winner, recognising his outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry and his dedication to nurturing future talent through the Chef Academy.
Awarded at the annual ACE annual summer party at The Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard, Steve was celebrated by hospitality colleagues and industry leaders for the lasting impact he has made on so many aspiring chefs across our business.
Joining us in 2011 as a chef apprentice, Steve worked his way through every level of the kitchen, progressing from chef de partie to junior sous chef before securing his first head chef role. His talent and potential were recognised early, and at just 27 years old, he became the youngest trainer to join our Chef Academy team, based at the Obsessed Lab, in Newbury.
As Chef Academy trainer, Steve delivers training programmes nationwide, helping shape the next generation of culinary talent across our business. Last year, he led the Academy’s North cohort to become the programme’s highest-performing group, with many of those chefs going on to step into more senior roles, a testament to the support, confidence and encouragement he brings to every chef he works with.
His innovative approach to cooking has earned industry recognition. Earlier this year he finished as runner-up in the Young BBQ Chef of the Year competition, standing out as sole finalist from a foodservice background. Impressing judges with his live-fire menu featured smoked Crown of Slade’s Down duck, ash-baked swede, burnt pear, British grains, and a smoked El Dorado rum Old Fashioned; he demonstrated both technical skill and creative flair.
Reacting to the news, Steve said: “Honestly, I am so surprised – it’s a huge honour. Sharing the stage with so many talented people and hearing their stories was incredible. They’re the future of our industry. I’m lucky enough to work with the best team in the business, and my favourite part of my job is seeing people grow in confidence, develop their skills and go on to achieve great things in their careers. Watching people evolve and become the best version of themselves is a real privilege.”
Head of Craft Development, Rik Razza, couldn’t be happier for Steve, adding: “Steve embodies everything the Chef Academy is about. He cares deeply about helping people succeed and puts huge energy into supporting every chef he works with. Seeing the number of Academy graduates who have gone on to progress in their careers is testament to the difference he makes every day. The team and I are immensely proud of him – nobody deserves this recognition more”.
Steve’s prizes included an overnight stay in a 5* hotel, a lifetime membership of ACE and he will be mentored for twelve months by an ACE board member.