#018 - Keira Carolan - Young National Chef of the Year - Growth, Grit & Grace

Guest: Keira Carolan - Young National Chef of the Year, Chef at Henrock by Simon Rogan

Host: Phil Street

In this uplifting episode, Phil catches up with the newly crowned Young National Chef of the Year, Keira Carolan, who returns to the podcast after finishing third last year to share how she came back stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.

Keira’s story is one of quiet confidence, persistence, and growth. From learning the ropes in Simon Rogan’s kitchens to taking the top spot in one of the most respected competitions in the country, she opens up about what’s changed in the last year, and what’s stayed the same.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Keira turned last year’s near miss into this year’s victory.
• The lessons she learned from a fiery barbecue incident and how it shaped her mindset.
• The value of feedback, resilience, and self-belief in the competition kitchen.
• Her journey at Henrock by Simon Rogan and how mentorship drives her development.
• The importance of teamwork, communication, and a calm head under pressure.
• How practice and preparation built her confidence for the big day.
• What winning Young National Chef of the Year really means to her, and what’s next.

Listen now for:

• Why setbacks are the best preparation for success.
• How discipline and positivity can take you further than raw talent alone.
• The role of mentorship and camaraderie in shaping young chefs.
• Why humility is a strength, not a weakness, in the kitchen.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You learn so much more when things don’t go perfectly”
• “It wasn’t about winning, it was about proving to myself that I could do better”
• “Every bit of feedback helps you grow, even when it stings a little”
• “The more you practice, the calmer you become, and that’s when you can really shine"

This episode is for:

• Aspiring young chefs dreaming of competing on the national stage.
• Hospitality professionals who believe in the power of learning from setbacks.
• Mentors and leaders supporting the next generation of culinary talent.
• Anyone who loves hearing stories of resilience, passion, and growth.

Links & Resources:

• Phil Street (Host): LinkedIn & Instagram @hospitalitymeets
• Keira Carolan: Instagram @keiracarolan1
• Henrock by Simon Rogan: www.henrock.co.uk
• Young National Chef of the Year: www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk
• Craft Guild of Chefs: | Craft Guild of Chefs

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