The UK team has been represented in the final of the Bocuse d'Or in every edition since the competition's inception in 1987
President—Clare Smyth, chef owner and founder of Core by Clare Smyth
Clare grew up on a farm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and is the first British female chef to win three Michelin stars.
Since moving to England at the age of 16, she has worked with an uncompromising devotion to her craft, training in some of the most celebrated kitchens in the world. In her time as Chef Patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Hospital Road, her many awards included 10/10 in the Good Food Guide, five AA rosettes and an MBE for services to the hospitality industry.
Clare opened Core in 2018 which secured two Michelin stars in the 2019 Michelin guide and three Michelin stars in 2021. The restaurant also ranked the highest in La List 2022 and was awarded the Best Gastronomic Experience in the 2023 Harden’s Guide.
In November 2021 Clare opened Oncore by Clare Smyth in Sydney Australia which was awarded three hats in the 2022 Good Food Guide Australia. This made Clare only the second chef in history to hold both three Michelin and three hats at the same time. Clare’s latest project includes Corenucopia, a luxury bistro set to open in Chelsea London in November 2025.
Clare’s other accolades include: Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award 2025, Cateys Independent Restaurateur 2023, World’s 50 Best Female Chef 2018, Michelin Female Chef 2017 and Cateys Chef of the Year 2016.
Clare was appointed President of Bocuse d’Or Team UK in 2023, following two years as International Chef Ambassador. Clare represented the UK as Honorary President at the Bocuse d’Or Europe in 2020.
Coach—Ian Musgrave
Ian is executive sous chef at The Ritz in London, which he joined as sous chef in 2014. During his time at The Ritz, the iconic restaurant was secured a Michelin star in 2017, followed by a second star in 2025.
Ian is well placed to coach the team, having represented the UK as candidate at the world final in 2023 when he placed 7th with commis chef Adam Beaumont, and as coach in 2025 - when candidate Tom Phillips and commis chef Harry Van Lierop secured 5th place.
Candidate—Oliver McGeorge
Oliver McGeorge began his culinary education at Ullswater Community College in Penrith before completing his professional culinary studies at Lycée Hôtelier de Marseille in France and graduating with a Mention Très Bien in Baccalauréat Professionnel Cuisine.
Oliver’s professional career spans some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens:
• June 2015 – April 2018: Chef de Partie, Le Petit Nice - Passedat***, Marseille, France
• April 2018 – April 2023: Sous Chef de Cuisine, Restaurant Guy Savoy***, Paris, France, progressing from Demi Chef de Partie to Sous Chef
• May 2023 – May 2024: Chef de Cuisine, Frenchie rue du Nil*, Paris, France (Michelin star retained 2024)
• May 2024 – Present: Sabbatical period, including international residencies, stages at top kitchens such as L’Enclume***, and immersive agricultural and vineyard work to deepen understanding of produce
Oliver consistently demonstrates excellence in classical and modern French cuisine, blending technical skill with creativity and precision.
"Representing the UK in the Bocuse d’Or Europe is the culmination of years of dedication to my craft. Having trained in world-class kitchens and gained diverse international experience, I aim to bring both technical excellence and creative expression to the competition. My ambition is to showcase the strength and depth of UK culinary talent on the European stage, honouring my mentors and inspiring the next generation of chefs." — Oliver McGeorge
Commis chef—Stella Harris
Stella Harris achieved a distinction in her Level 2 Professional Diploma in Culinary Arts at Westminster Kingsway College.
She joined The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay as a part-time chef in 2023, taking on a full time role after completing her studies. She cites the restaurant as helping her evolve as a chef thanks to the fast paced environment and her incredible mentors.
Stella competed against five talented young chefs to be named Bocuse d’Or UK commis in November 2025.
