Meet the BCF Chef of the Year 2018 finalists: Leo Kattou

BCF Chef of the Year 2018 finalist, Leo Kattou is senior sous chef at Simpson's restaurant in Birmingham.

• Find out more about the British Culinary Federation (BCF)  
• What does it take to win National Chef of the Year?

Leo’s love for food came from his family-run fish and chip shop before going on to study at College of Food in Birmingham. While at college he got offered a one-month full-time work placement at Simpsons where they were so impressed with him that he got offered a part-time job before going full-time six years ago. Leo has previously entered BCF Young Chef of the Year three times coming in second place each time. He also entered Masterchef: The Professionals in 2017 where he reached the semi-finals.

How do you feel about becoming a finalist?

It is a really nice feeling. I wasn’t prepared in myself for the semi-final so to get through is a really great feeling because I know I can push myself a bit more and hopefully produce better results. It is certainly a different experience to Young Chef of the Year when you look at the names, where they are and who they are, you are competing against some brilliant chefs.

Why did you enter BCF Chef of the Year?

I entered to try and win it this year. When you are competing against young chefs it is a different mentality. When you are up against people that are more senior and much more mature it is a different breed of chefs, it is a good thing because you have to think differently.

There will be a butchery masterclass taking place on April 9th at Aubrey Allen, where the chefs will find out what cut of meat they will be using in the final.

On April 23rd, a new BCF Chef of the Year will be crowned. We take a closer look at this year’s finalists hoping to produce winning dishes in the final at University College, Birmingham which will impress the judging panel.

By Naomi Doddridge