SERC Apprentice Shortlisted for Craft Guild of Chefs Award

 A South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Apprentice has been shortlisted for a prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Award 2025.

Gabby Harrison (21) from Newtownards, is in the running for the Apprentice Chef Award, sponsored by Compass Group – Foodbuy. Often dubbed the chefs’ Oscars, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards celebrate the very best talent across the UK culinary scene. Gabby is completing the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Professional Cookery at SERC’s Bangor Campus and is employed by the Stormont Hotel as Commis Chef. 

Gabby’s culinary journey began with a Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef where she quickly stood out for her skill, reliability, and dedication to her craft.   No stranger to competition and awards, the young woman has won a Bronze Medal and a Merit Award at the IFEX Salon Culinaire in 2024; she was crowned Overall Winner at the UNOX Combi Guru Challenge 2024 in Italy; and this year, she represented Northern Ireland at the 2025 Young Chef Olympiad in India, competing against chefs from nearly 60 countries.

Paul Mercer, Principal Lecturer, School of Business, Management and Hospitality at SERC said, “From battling travel setbacks in international competitions, to showcasing NI cuisine on the world stage, Gabby’s resilience, professionalism, and passion are nothing short of inspiring. She is not only a rising star, but a mentor to others and a true role model in the kitchen. We could not be any prouder of Gabby and everything she has achieved.   This latest shortlist for the Craft Guild of Chef Awards is testament to her talent and work ethic and we wish her all the best for the Awards.”

Winners will be announced a glittering ceremony on Monday 16 June at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.