Meet Ava Lewis: The Rising Star Winner in Our Kitchen

We’re incredibly proud to share that Ava Lewis, one of our promising young chefs, has been named Rising Star of the Year at the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2025.

At just 16 years old, Ava is already turning heads in the culinary world and for good reason. Since joining Carden Park as an apprentice chef, Ava has shown a rare combination of talent and drive that makes her truly stand out. Her recent award recognises not just her technical ability but her exceptional attitude and potential and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her as part of the team.

Let us introduce you to the rising star lighting up our kitchen…

Where it all began for Ava’s culinary journey

Ava’s passion for food started young – baking at home, watching MasterChef with her family and experimenting with recipes from YouTube. By the age of 12, she was already confidently creating colourful bakes and home-cooked meals, supported every step of the way by her proud (and well-fed) family.

At school, it was clear she had something special. While others saw Food Technology as a ‘mess around fun’ subject, Ava saw it as an outlet. With the encouragement of a standout teacher, Mrs Mallroy, she channelled her creativity and curiosity into a top-grade final project: a bold, Indian-inspired three-course menu that confirmed her calling.

The true turning point came at a local food fair when Ava, then 16, volunteered behind the scenes to support live cookery demonstrations. Nervous but determined, she struck up a conversation with our Executive Head Chef. That chat sparked a chain of events: work experience, an email exchange and eventually an apprenticeship offer at Carden Park.

Ava’s career as a core part the Kitchen Brigade

Eight months into the 18-month programme, Ava is now thriving in the kitchens of The Vines, our 3 AA Rosette restaurant. Her growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. She’s moved from basic prep to mastering butchery, plating presentation and even leading the Starters section during service – an impressive feat for someone so early into their career in a fine dining environment.

Ava’s favourite dish to prepare? The sirloin of Sashi beef with kohlrabi, shallot, wood sorrel and a warm truffle dressing. A complex plate that demands harmony and finesse – qualities Ava continues to develop each day under the guidance of our seasoned chefs.

Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Presentation skills, in particular, required patience and practice. Ava tackled those head-on, asking questions, and never hesitating to try again. That persistence – along with her collaborative spirit and natural leadership, has earned her the admiration of the entire kitchen team. What truly sets Ava apart is her deep hunger to learn not just technique, but the “why” behind the food. She’s become fascinated with how menus are built, how flavours evolve with the seasons and how the stories behind ingredients influence the final plate. With ambitions o one day contribute her own ideas to the creative process and eventually represent the UK on the competitive culinary stage.

Ava is also inspired by the strong women around her including celebrity chefs like Clare Smyth and Nadiya Hussain, but also colleagues like Ange, our Head Pastry Chef and her peer-mentor, Commis Chef Jay. She credits the diverse, supportive environment at Carden Park for helping her feel seen and empowered in what is still predominantly viewed as a male-dominated field.

A bright future for our Apprentice Chef

Whether she’s kneading dough, perfecting a swirl of emulsion or jumping in to support the team mid-service, Ava brings a quiet determination and level of professionalism that’s far beyond her years. And now, with her Rising Star of the Year win shining a spotlight on her achievements the culinary world is beginning to take notice.

“It’s rare to come across someone whose passion and dedication truly stand out, but that’s exactly what we’ve found in Ava,” says  Executive Chef Harri Williams. “She’s a breath of fresh air in the kitchen – focused and always hungry to learn. With young talent like Ava, the future of our industry looks very bright.”