Finalists announced for 2026 Eat Game Awards

Eat Game Awards finalists graphic

The Eat Game Awards celebrate the chefs, butchers, retailers and rising stars bringing British wild game to the table.

The finalists for the 2026 Eat Game Awards have officially been announced. This year’s shortlist is packed with new faces, bold talent and passionate champions of game meat from across the UK.

Taking place on 19 March at the stunning Soane Hall in London, the awards celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to cook, sell, promote and inspire their love for British game

This year’s nominations saw a wave of new names recognised for their innovation, skill and dedication – from chefs transforming game into modern masterpieces to top class butchers, educators and retailers.

Eat Game is BASC’s promotional brand for British wild game. The Eat Game Awards honour all those who bring game from field to fork, shining a spotlight on the people making it accessible, exciting and relevant in today’s food culture. 

BASC’s deputy director of conservation, Dr Marnie Lovejoy, said: “Now firmly established as a standout event in the culinary calendar, the awards are more than just a celebration; they are a platform for the game meat sector to grow and thrive. BASC is proud of the awards as a unique event showcasing game as an ingredient, and we are delighted to recognise the talented people who are driving innovation in wild food in the UK.”

2026 Eat Game Awards finalists

Best Game Butcher

  • Dartmoor Deer Services
  • Della Kimmins – The Farm Butchery
  • Kingdom Game Ltd.

Best Game Chef

  • Rob Arnott – One Dining
  • Mark Kempson – Kitchen W8
  • Callum Leslie – The Black Swan at Oldstead

Best Game Product

  • Burnside Farm Foods
  • Cheshire Wild Venison
  • Deer Box

Best Game Restaurant or Pub

  • The Abinger Hatch
  • The Boat at Erbistock
  • The Caddy Mann

Best Game Influencer / Educator

  • Joe Mann – Queen’s College, Taunton
  • Chris Marney – Game for Anything
  • Zdenka Wise – King’s Academy Easthampstead Park

Best Game Retailer

  • Gamekeeper’s Larder
  • Maisebrooke Farm Shop
  • Wylde Market

Rising Star (chef under 21)

  • Ashealles Cameron – One Dining
  • Jake Griffiths – Coleg Cambria
  • Josh Zitha – City of Oxford College

Champion of Champions (public vote – voting opens in February)

  • Cai Ap Bryn – Game and Flames
  • Hugo Campbell Hill – The Game Glutton
  • Ross Horrocks – The Caddy Mann
  •  Mark Kempson – Kitchen W8

The winners of each category will be announced at the Eat Game Awards on 19 March 2026.

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