Bailliage: Grand Bretagne
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Celebrating Excellence at the 2026 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier Competition
THE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE GALLERY
The 2026 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier of the Year Competition culminated in a prestigious awards dinner at the Cadogan Hotel, London. The event was marked by anticipation, highlighting the talent and passion of emerging professionals in the hospitality industry.
Kamila Blaszczyk, Deputy Head Sommelier at the Celeste, Notting Hill, was crowned the winner. Her victory secures her a place to represent Chaine GB at the Bastad event in Sweden this October.
The competition also recognized Thomas Walker from Estelle Manor in Chilterns, who finished second, and Barnaby Lewis from Cornus in London City, who secured third place. Notably, Barnaby Lewis received the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy for his outstanding performance in the tasting section of the competition.
The evening was further enriched by Johan de Sousa from the Savoy, who recently represented Chaine GB at the international Jeunes Chefs finals. Johan joined the Cadogan kitchen team to assist in preparing the dinner, exemplifying the camaraderie and dedication among young professionals.
General Manager Russell Platt and Executive Chef Michael Turner led the event, which showcased the passion and talent of the new generation.
"A year where the passion that these young professionals show for their trade, shone through"
Tristan Mason Smith, Echanson
The Young Sommeliers Competition
The Young Sommeliers Competition was launched by the Chaîne internationally in 2007, and in GB in 2008.
This multi-faceted competition is designed to identify and elevate emerging talent in the world of wine and spirits service, providing a platform that mirrors the professional rigors of the industry at its highest level.
Testing is divided into three parts: theory, service and blind tasting. The theory portion is written and lasts for one hour, testing deep knowledge in all areas of wine, wine production, laws, viticulture and vinification as well as spirits, beers, ales, ciders, ports and sherry.
For more information about the Young Sommeliers Competition click here.
The Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy
The Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy is given to the young sommelier scoring the highest marks in the blind tasting and food matching sections of the UK finals of the Young Sommelier Competition, organised by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Gerard Basset, who died in January 2019, held both the titles of Master of Wine and Master Sommelier, and was named ‘world’s best sommelier’ in 2010. Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, said, ‘Gerard was a highly committed professional member of the Chaîne, who gave so much of his time to head up the judging panels year after year, and also mentor so many young sommeliers as they honed their skills.’
The winner of the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy for 2026, was Barnaby Lewis. Barnaby achieved the highest score ever recorded in the tasting section of the competition. An outstanding achievement
Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé
Roasted Monkfish with Caramelised Sweet Potato, Vadouvan and Coriander
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice
