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

The Staff Canteen

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


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

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall  – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 4th April 2018

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