Meet the National Chef of the Year 2018 finalists: David Davey-Smith, chef, Royal Air Force

National Chef of the Year 2018 finalist, David Davey-Smith is a chef at Royal Air Force in Worthy Down.

David's early career started as a pot wash for a small fish restraining in Weston super Mare. Before long he worked his way up the career ladder to run the kitchen three nights a week whilst still attending college. He later Joined the RAF as a chef cooking in Afghanistan, Oman, Germany and in Sicily during the Syrian conflict feeding over 4,000 troops.

David has spent the last three years teaching cookery at worthy down school of catering.

David won heat two of the competition at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London which put him through to the final

Close Message - I might contribute in the future

I love what you do, let me contribute right now

ten.

How did it feel to get through to the final?

Initially shock! Then just really humbled, there are some massive names and some amazing talent that entered into the competition and to go through a heat winner was just amazing, it blew me away.

Why did you enter national chef of the year?

I entered the competition two years ago and got as far as the final. I took on board all the points that were given and the lessons I had learned and decided that I’d like to challenge myself again. Plus, I just really love competing!

On Tuesday, October 3 a new National Chef of the Year will be crowned. We take a closer look at this year's finalists hoping to produce winning dishes at the final at The Restaurant Show, which will impress the judging panel.

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.