The live final took place at City of Glasgow College on Tuesday, October 21, where eight chefs from across the UK competed for the inaugural title. Each finalist had to prepare an original game dish under intense pressure, showcasing skill, creativity and respect for the ingredient.
Created by MCGB chairman George McIvor OBE, the new competition was launched to recognise the depth and diversity of modern game cooking while championing sustainability, seasonality and top-quality British produce.
Callum’s winning dish, le lievre Rossini, combined hare loin, cashew ‘foie gras’, wild mushrooms and blackberries, served with a leg and offal parcel — a bold reimagining of hare à la royale and tournedos Rossini, rooted in Scottish game and whole-animal cookery.
Judges described the plate as “beautifully presented” and praised how it “absolutely nailed the brief”, calling it “Scotland on a plate.”
Speaking after his win, Callum said: “Winning Game Chef of the Year is an incredible honour. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that goes into every dish — not just from me, but from the amazing team at The Little Chartroom and the producers who
Callum takes home the George McIvor OBE Game Chef Trophy, £2,000, a stage with Mark Donald at the two-Michelin-star Lalique Restaurant at The Glenturret, and a three-day gastronomic tour of Venice with sponsor UNOX.
The Little Chartroom and its influence
Founded in 2018 by Roberta Hall-McCarron and Shaun McCarron, The Little Chartroom has become one of Edinburgh’s most admired modern British restaurants. Known for its intimate open kitchen and refined, seasonal cooking, it moved to a larger site on Bonnington Road in 2022 and continues to showcase Scotland’s best produce in creative, elegant plates.
Roberta, who trained at Castle Terrace and The Kitchin, has earned national recognition for her ingredient-led approach and thoughtful mentorship of young chefs. Under her guidance, Callum has developed a style that celebrates local game, fish and vegetables — a natural fit for the Game Chef of the Year competition’s ethos of sustainability and provenance.
Alongside The Little Chartroom, Roberta also runs Eleanore, a bistro and wine bar nearby, and Ardfern, an all-day café and bar — each reflecting her belief in nurturing Scotland’s culinary identity through accessibility, training and teamwork.
About the Master Chefs of Great Britain
The Master Chefs of Great Britain promotes culinary excellence and supports emerging talent through demonstrations, learning opportunities and mentorship. Its programme of masterclasses across Scotland and northern England reaches more than 1,000 apprentice and student chefs annually, offering hands-on access to leading chefs and high-quality Scottish produce while promoting sustainable, seasonal cooking.
(Pics: Camerashy Photography)
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