Aberystwyth-based teenager Caitlin Meredith has been named the 2026 Junior Chef of Wales after a stellar performance in a high-pressure cook-off. The 19-year-old student from Moriah secured the prestigious title at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales in Newport.
The victory came just one day after Meredith celebrated her 19th birthday, making the achievement a double celebration for the young culinary talent. She currently balances her studies at Coleg Ceredigion with a part-time role at the two Michelin-starred Ynyshir restaurant.
Organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), the competition is the nation's premier event for identifying the next generation of top chefs. Meredith faced off against three other finalists in a grueling three-hour challenge to prove her skills in the kitchen.
Each finalist was tasked with preparing, cooking, and plating a creative three-course dinner for four people. The rules required participants to incorporate at least eight Welsh products with Geographical Importance (GI) into their menus.
Meredith’s winning starter was a sophisticated Dyfi prawn-stuffed cappelletti featuring dill, ricotta, and laverbread. This was served with a prawn head jus, spring onion oil, roasted shallot puree, and crispy Carmarthen Ham.
For her main course, she presented a fillet of pan-fried GI Welsh Beef accompanied by confit leek and parsnip puree. The dish was rounded out with roasted green beans glazed in Welsh Heather Honey and potato dauphinois with Caerphilly Cheese.
Reflecting on her win, Meredith described the title as a significant confidence boost and a "cool" milestone in her developing career. She shared her future ambitions of becoming a private chef and travelling the world to refine her culinary techniques.
Colin Gray, the chairman of the judging panel, praised the high standard of work and the courage shown by all competitors. He noted that the final was incredibly close, with Meredith ultimately winning due to her composure and technical precision.
Gray emphasized that while the final dishes are critical, contestants are also scored on their preparation and hygiene. He highlighted that Meredith managed to stay calm under the pressure of a live audience to deliver her plates on time.
As part of her prize, Meredith receives automatic entry into the semi-finals of the UK Young National Chef of the Year competition. She will also attend the Worldchefs Congress and Expo at ICC Wales later this year as a fully funded delegate.
In addition to the career opportunities, the young chef was awarded a professional set of engraved Friedr Dick knives. She also received £150 worth of products from DPS Tableware to help build her professional kitchen kit.
The competition also recognized the efforts of Gabi Wilson from Rhayader, who took home the silver medal for her work. Bronze medals were awarded to Katie Duffy of Llanelli and Sonny Page from Menai Bridge for their impressive contributions.
Meredith plans to continue her education at Coleg Ceredigion before transitioning to a full-time role at Ynyshir. She expressed excitement about working under chef proprietor Gareth Ward and continuing to learn new skills in a world-class environment.
