UK Heats of World Tapas Competition

The UK Heats of the World Tapas Competition will take place on 16th and 17th July 2025 at the Blend Culinary Foundation Kitchen, inside Sheffield’s Cambridge Street Collective — Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall.

The event will feature 12 talented chefs representing both public and private sector organisations, including Hilton Hotels, Tottenham Hotspur, Compass Group ESS, Greene King, Big Table Group, the University of Warwick, Mitchells & Butlers, and the British Army.

Official Drinks Sponsor and Spain’s number one draught beer Cruzcampo® is joined by supporting partners unearthed®, Mission Foods, Birds Eye Foodservice, The Sausage Man and Craft Guild of Chefs.

The head judge for the UK heats will be renowned Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy. Often called "the Antonio Banderas of cooking," Omar is a celebrated restaurateur and author who has helped to elevate Spanish cuisine in the British dining scene. Omar has also won several awards and maintained a career as a successful TV chef.

Paul Martin, Managing Director of the UK Tapas Heats, said: “We are delighted to bring this event to the UK for the first time — a fantastic celebration of creativity, diversity, and culinary ambition. We’re proud to provide a platform for British chefs to showcase their talent and bring tapas innovation to the forefront.”

Sheffield-based food networking agency Inside Foodservice is leading the organisation of the UK Heats. The World Tapas Competition is more than a showcase of small plates — it’s a powerful cultural exchange.

Rooted in Spanish tradition and re-imagined globally, tapas allow chefs to blend heritage with innovation in a format that encourages storytelling and culinary creativity.

British chefs are increasingly known for pushing boundaries and redefining modern cuisine. With access to world-class ingredients and a multicultural culinary landscape, the UK is well-positioned to make an impact on the international stage.

The event will kick off with an Innovation Challenge on Wednesday 16th July, where chefs will use products from the sponsors’ larder to create original tapas.

That evening, competitors and event partners will dine at Six and a Half, the open-fire restaurant by local chef Leslie Buddington, which will design a special tapas-themed menu for the occasion.

The main competition will take place on the morning of Thursday 17th July, when each chef presents their individual tapa to the judging panel.

The national winner and runner-up will be invited on an exclusive culinary tour of Madrid and Valladolid, before the champion represents the UK at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain (10th–13th November 2025). Prizes include €10,000 for 1st place, €5,000 for 2nd, and €2,500 for 3rd.