The Caterer to recognise pastry chefs in new award at 2026 Cateys

The Cateys 2026 is to feature a new award to recognise culinary excellence in the specialist area of patisserie.

 

Launched to celebrate creativity and distinction within the discipline, Pastry Chef of the Year, sponsored by CH&Co, is open to pastry chefs from all areas of the hospitality industry.

 

Entries are invited for chefs in any area of hospitality, whether they are working in a hotel kitchen, restaurant site or contract catering operation.

 

The award will recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the craft of pâtisserie, demonstrating innovation, technical excellence and a deep understanding of culinary processes. It will also acknowledge those whose influence extends beyond their own kitchen, making a meaningful wider contribution to the industry.

 

James Stagg, editor at The Caterer, said: “The Chef Award has long been heralded as the ultimate achievement in the professional kitchen and now we have introduced an award to complement this accolade and recognise outstanding colleagues. We’re looking for masters in pâtisserie from hotels, restaurants and contract caterers, who are pushing the boundaries of their craft while also contributing to the wider industry.”

 

CH&Co chief executive Bill Toner added: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Pastry Chef of the Year award at the Cateys 2026. This exciting new category shines a spotlight on pastry chefs throughout our industry and their incredible skills, creativity and flair.

 

"Across CH&Co and our brands, and through my work with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, I’m continually impressed by pastry chefs’ talent and their amazing creations that wow in their aesthetics as well as their flavours. This award is a fantastic addition to the long-standing, esteemed Chef Award and I’m thrilled that The Caterer is recognising pastry chefs in this way. I look forward to celebrating the inaugural set of nominees and winners at the Cateys in July. Good luck to everyone.”

 

In what will be an unforgettable evening to honour and celebrate exceptional talent and pioneering businesses in hospitality, the recipient will receive their award at the glittering Cateys awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Tuesday 7 July.

 

How to nominate for the 2026 Cateys

If you know of an individual who deserves to receive the inaugural Pastry Chef of the Year award and believe they deserve to be lauded on stage receiving a coveted Catey, we want to hear from you.

 

To make a nomination for the 2026 Cateys, go to the Cateys website for full details. The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 4 March.

 

To purchase your ticket for the Cateys, visit our website or email Sophie Lancaster. To enquire about sponsoring the event, please contact Cheryl Townsend on 020 7881 4822.