Ashley Randle, head chef at The Cockle at Island Harbour, has reached the semi-finals of the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition – one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the UK.
Run by the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition attracts entries from chefs across the country, with Ashley named as one of just 40 semi-finalists following a blind judging process.
Ashley will compete at the London semi-final on 1st July, where chefs must produce a two-course menu for four covers in two hours. This year’s theme is ‘Our Sustainable Future’, with dishes centred around whole jumbo plaice with mussels and a British berry tart.
Sam Shaw, Owner, The Cockle
“Ash has worked incredibly hard on developing the food at The Cockle since day one, so to see him recognised at this level is brilliant and thoroughly deserved.”
Ashley Randle, Head Chef at The Cockle, has said:
“It’s great to get through to the semi-finals. I’m really looking forward to the next stage.”
The Cockle opened in January 2026 at Island Harbour and has quickly gained a strong following for its food and relaxed riverside setting.
Congrats !!
However wasted down at the cockle, visited the other day was told fully booked however only a few tables. All you could see was kids employed for cheap labour who cared more about chatting than serving. Had a drink and left.
Spoke to a couple of regulars there said food nice shame on service needs adults to serve not kids in adults clothes
That is the problem with many businesses they employ
clueless kids who don’t want to do any work but want the money.
I am very choosy where I go nowdays due to such behaviour.
Why dont the businesses train the “clueless kids”. The businesses want cheap labour, but dont want to train them. Dont blame the kids blame the businesses hiring them.
I was quite excited to go back there again when it reopened, then I looked at the food prices and chose against it. I do think this is an amazing personal achievement for himself, but I’m sure it will only mean they can then put the prices up even more.