Masterchef champion from Maidenhead wins prestigious Roux Scholarship 2025

A chef and former Masterchef champion from Maidenhead has won the prestigious Roux Scholarship 2025.

Craig Johnston beat five other finalists in a challenging final cook-off at the Alain Roux Culinary School at The Waterside Inn on Monday (yesterday).

The 29-year-old Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Angler Restaurant in London's South Place Hotel was a first-time entrant to the competition, having decided to give it a try in the last year he qualified within the age limit.

Furze Platt-raised Craig rose to prominence after winning MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017 at age 22.

Reacting to his latest win, he said: “It’s a testament to all the chefs who have helped me along my way. I guess it’s up to you guys [the Rouxs] to help me now with my future.”

The Roux Scholarship ranks among the most prestigious competitions for chefs globally, with many scholars going on to win Michelin stars.

Michel Roux OBE founded The Roux Scholarship with his brother Albert to enable a new generation of British chefs to train in the world’s top restaurants, with the first competition in 1984.

For this year's final, the six chefs were asked to prepare their dish inspired by the cuisine of Honorary President of Judges Elena Arzak, centred around Wyndford Wagyu shank with bone marrow, borlotti beans, and Basque-style stuffed potatoes.

Chef Elena Arzak said: “The competition is famous, serious and very important. All the finalists expressed their individual, personal identities in the dishes they cooked.

“That’s the future of gastronomy; the young chefs have new ideas and no limits to their creativity. There was a clear winner for me, and all the judges agreed on that.

“In 1989, aged 19, I worked at Le Gavroche, and the Roux family were very kind and are a very special part of my history. The Roux legacy is in my heart.”

Chef Elena Arzak led the judging panel alongside joint chairmen Alain Roux and Michel Roux Jr, who were joined by Vice-Chairman Brian Turner CBE, Emily Roux, Sat Bains (1999 scholar), André Garrett MCA (2002 Scholar), Simon Hulstone (2003 Scholar), Angela Hartnett OBE and Rachel Humphrey.

Alain Roux said: “It’s been a very good day. Nobody made any big mistakes despite the pressure. Every year, we expect higher and higher standards, and these six chefs all deserved their place in the final. The judges discussed for a while, but we all agreed there was a clear winner.”

Craig will receive £6,000, with an additional £6,000 awarded for staying with his current employer for another 15 months.

Alongside a list of sponsored prizes and culinary experiences, Craig has a choice between two main prizes.

An invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for two months, or a bespoke training programme tailored to Craig’s ambitions, skills gaps and interests.

Michel Roux Jr said: “It was a good test and, when the theme of the task was unveiled, we saw a few of them scratching their heads and looking at reference books to understand their challenge.

“It’s probably the best year we’ve had for punctuality in serving their dishes. There were some great flavours in every plate.”

The winner was announced at an exclusive awards ceremony and dinner at Coworth Park, where executive chef and Roux Scholar 2012 Adam Smith MCA cooked alongside Roux Scholar 2000 Frederick Forster MCA.