Whitstable’s Charlie Askew Competes in the Final of Kraft Heinz Masters of the Menu 2025

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Kent Business Newsletter
October 30, 2025

Whitstable’s Charlie Askew Competes in the Final of Kraft Heinz Masters of the Menu 2025

Whitstable’s Charlie Askew is this years youngest finalist of Kraft Heinz’s first-ever national culinary competition. He is one of five finalists to take part in the competition, created to celebrate and champion independent chefs from across the UK.  

In partnership with Great British Menu winner James Cochran and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the finalists will receive personal mentorship from James before competing in a live cook-off at Mission Kitchen on 27 October. The winner will be crowned Master of the Menu 2025, receive £2,000 in cash, £2,000 worth of Heinz product, national PR exposure, and the chance to co-host an exclusive supper club with James Cochran.

Charlie Askew is this year’s youngest finalist. Hailing from Whitstable, Kent, he is quickly making a name for himself in the local food scene. Charlie began his career at The Chestfield Barn, where he built the foundations of his craft, before moving to Wheelers Oyster Bar, the seaside institution known for its fresh seafood and innovation.

Charlie’s Heinz Hero Dish is a vibrant seafood plate: Salmon with Roast Prawns, Crayfish and Hollandaise. The dish is a clever blend of classic French technique and modern flavour, with Heinz Tomato Ketchup used in a punchy bois boudran sauce, Heinz Sweet Chilli Sauce folded into the crayfish hollandaise, and Heinz Mayonnaise infused with fresh dill to add brightness to the plate.

Coming from Whitstable, I’ve grown up surrounded by incredible seafood and it’s a big part of who I am as a chef,” Charlie said. “To win this competition would mean the absolute world and prove to myself and those who’ve invested time into me that all the hard graft has been worth it. It would be a huge step in my career and a way to put Kent’s food scene in the spotlight.

The Masters of the Menu 2025 final will took place in London on 27th October. We’ll let you know the results next week!

Follow the journey and discover who takes the crown at @kraftheinz_afhuk.

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