Levy is thrilled to announce that Harvey Syrett, Chef De Partie at Levy’s long-standing partner venue, Excel London, has been crowned the Compass Group UK & Ireland Apprentice Chef of the Year 2026
Harvey triumphed at the final, held at Xcelerate with Edgbaston, where ten finalists went head-to-head. He faced stiff competition, including two of his talented Levy colleagues, Amia Fishley and Hannah Reed, who also reached the final stage.
The competition saw the apprentice chefs work with a mystery box of ingredients, including wild venison, fresh hake, and seasonal greens, to create a three-course menu in just two and a half hours. Given ten days to plan their menus, the apprentice chefs were judged against strict criteria, including culinary skills, presentation, flavours, cleanliness, minimal waste, and overall balance across the three courses.
Harvey’s award-winning menu included a starter of hake mosaic, popcorn mussels, leek and mussel velouté with parsley oil; a main course of wild venison wellington with vanilla and celeriac puree, wild mushrooms and asparagus tips, Madeira jus and parsley oil; and a dessert of white and dark chocolate fondant, orange crème, with caramelised sourdough crumb and orange gel.
“This has been a brilliant experience from start to finish, and I’m so proud to have been named Apprentice Chef of the Year. I was honoured to be cooking alongside such a talented and passionate group of Chefs, and I’ve learnt so much as part of the process. Huge thanks to my team and mentors for all the support. I couldn’t have done it without them!”
— Harvey Syrett
“I couldn't be prouder of what Harvey has achieved in the time that he has been with us at Excel London. Having known Harvey and his family for many years and watched his dream of becoming a successful chef, I know this is just the beginning of a very successful career ahead.”
— Trevor Hand, Executive Head Chef at Excel London Hospitality and Harvey’s mentor
"Massive congratulations to Harvey on being crowned Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year. It was a pleasure to see him showcase our hero ingredients - wild venison and mussels - with such precision. Having three Levy chefs reach the final was an incredible achievement, and the calibre of competition was exceptional. Success like this is a true testament to the talent we are nurturing; it is clear that our future is in very capable hands."
— Jon Davies, Levy CEO and Executive Sponsor for Apprenticeships
Congratulations to Harvey on this fantastic win, and a huge well done to Amia and Hannah for their brilliant performances
