School Chef Calum wins Junior Chef of Wales title at Welsh Culinary Championships

A Shrewsbury School chef has been named Junior Chef of Wales at the Welsh International Culinary Championships.  

Calum Smith, captain of the Junior Culinary Team of Wales and a key member of the Shrewsbury School kitchen team, has added the coveted Junior Chef of Wales title to his growing list of accolades. 

Working at Shrewsbury School for Independents by Sodexo, Calum triumphed over three rival chefs to secure the title at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) held on Wednesday. His victory not only earned him the title, but also a spot in the semi-finals of the UK Young National Chef of the Year competition and the opportunity to represent Wales at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo, hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) at ICC Wales. 

“I’m absolutely elated,” said Calum. “The pressure was immense, with many expecting me to be the front runner, so I’m just thrilled to have delivered. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Shrewsbury School and Sodexo for their unwavering support—it truly made this achievement possible.” 

Calum’s menu, which wowed the judges, featured a creative and bold blend of flavours: a vegan buratta panna cotta with chilled beetroot, Cygnet Gin, purple beetroot chutney, and other unique elements for the starter; a masterful Chirk Farm Trout main course; and a decadent dark chocolate and raisin financier for dessert. 

The WICC, organised by the Culinary Association of Wales, saw the participation of around 150 chefs and front of house staff, and was held at the International Convention Centre Wales, with the event also incorporating the Castell Howell Welsh Food and Drink Show. 

Well done also to fellow Shrewsbury chef Jordan Howorth, who came 5th in the Senior category, as well as winning the Hygiene award for the whole week. 

Congratulations chefs!