It’s Tyme to celebrate! Carl Cleghorn, the innovative chef bringing his high-end dining experiences directly to homes across the M4 corridor—from Wales to London—has sealed his spot in the semi-finals of the prestigious National Chef of the Year 2025 (NCOTY).
Carl’s standout menu caught the attention of the elite judging panel, cementing his place among the UK’s culinary elite.
Carl is no stranger to culinary excellence. With a background that includes achieving 3 AA
Rosettes for multiple years, working in Relais & Châteaux properties, and leading Michelin kitchens across the South West, his pedigree speaks volumes.
In 2024, he launched Tyme by Carl Cleghorn with a bold vision: to make exquisite fine dining
accessible to all — wherever they are: at home, a rental, or an event space — without the
hefty price tag. His signature style — bold, seasonal flavours with classical roots and modern
execution — combined with highly personalised private dining, has quickly built a
formidable reputation that now stands on a national stage.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be through to the semi-finals of National Chef of the Year
2025!” exclaims Carl.
“This year’s brief just lit a fire in me straight away. It inspired a menu I really believe in, and
to have it recognised by such a prestigious panel is honestly incredible.
It’s a huge honour, and I’m ready to give it everything to earn my place in that final 10. Let’s
go!”
A Proven Launchpad for Culinary Legends
NCOTY isn’t just a competition — it’s the UK and Ireland’s most respected and influential
culinary contest. Often seen as a springboard for greatness, the title has helped launch the
careers of chefs like Gordon Ramsay, David Everitt-Matthias, Simon Hulstone, Mark
Sargeant, Hrishikesh Desai, Russell Bateman, Hayden Groves, and Alyn Williams.
More than just cooking skills, NCOTY tests a chef’s resilience, creativity, and composure
under pressure — traits Carl has honed throughout a career spent pushing the boundaries of
flavour and fine dining.
The Road Ahead: Semi-Final Challenge
Carl stood out in an intensely competitive field with a show-stopping three-course
menu built around the theme “Classic Meets Contemporary.” His creation featured a refined lobster starter, a two-cut beef main balancing prime and secondary cuts, and a decadent
Grand Cru chocolate tart — all executed within a strict three-hour time limit.
Now, alongside just 39 other chefs, Carl faces the next challenge: crafting a summertime
pre-dessert. This innovative dish must showcase seasonal fruits or vegetables, reflect the
chef’s personality, and tell a personal story inspired by their culinary journey. Chefs are also
required to present their concept in a video no longer than 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Semi-Final Judging: Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Finalists Announced: Thursday, 31st July 2025
About Carl Cleghorn and Tyme
Tyme by Carl Cleghorn redefines private dining by bringing bespoke, restaurant-quality
cuisine directly into homes across the M4 corridor — from West Wales to London. Carl’s
passion for precision, flavour, and experience ensures an unforgettable culinary
journey. Tyme is relaxed fine dining without the pretension — rooted in skill, grounded in
service, and driven by a belief that exceptional food should be truly accessible.