Sofia Pajer

I’ve loved baking since I was three, first helping my mum mix her signature Babovka and, of course, licking the spatula after! Cooking has been a passion ever since. Winning my FutureChef heat was surreal—I was absolutely ecstatic! I love cooking all kinds of food, but for me, meat should always be the star, especially a good schnitzel. My secret weapon is my family’s “Kopasol” spice mix, though my prized possession is my Atlas pasta machine. One memorable mishap? Making the perfect buttercream—only to realize I’d used salted butter! My mentor taught me the importance of cooking tomato paste to enhance flavor, and my parents have been my biggest inspiration—my dad, the “King of Leftovers,” and my mum, who passed down traditional Czech recipes. In the future, I’d love to own a café restaurant and travel the world learning about different cuisines. My advice to aspiring chefs? It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all!

Cecilly Dixon

Isabella McAuley

Aoise Taggert

Chloe Leacock

Wiktoria Skowronska

I fell in love with cooking as a child when I watched a pizza chef prep dough in a pizzeria—I thought it was amazing. Winning my FutureChef heat was a complete shock, but I was beyond excited. I love making simple meals like spinach ravioli, which I never get tired of eating. My secret weapon in the kitchen is my passion for cooking and baking, and my go-to dish is fish, chips, and salad. One of my most memorable experiences was working with my mentors at Lough Erne after winning my heat last year. A key lesson I’ve learned is to never panic when something goes wrong—always have a backup plan. My mentor, Adam Milliken, has had a huge influence on my cooking style. My dream is to become a chef or baker, open my own Polish café, restaurant, or bakery, and learn from experienced chefs along the way. My advice to aspiring chefs? Go for it and follow your dreams—you never know how good you might be until you try!

Lubo Mulkerns

Winner of the 2025 NI Regional Final

I’ve loved cooking since I was young, inspired by weekends spent in the kitchen with my dad, coming up with recipes together. Working in his supermarket and café kitchen has taught me so much, especially from the chef team. Winning my FutureChef heat for the second time was an incredible moment, made even better by my mentor, Devin McShane, whose guidance paid off. I enjoy cooking a variety of dishes, especially Indian food, but the competition has pushed me to experiment with fine dining, like my walnut-stuffed chicken roulade. My knife skills have improved thanks to my mentors, and winning a full set of chef’s knives was an amazing reward. Competing in FutureChef has been an unforgettable adventure, and I’m excited for the UK Finals in London. My dad has been my biggest influence, teaching me the importance of timing, preparation, and perseverance. One day, I hope to combine my love of cooking and languages by working in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. My advice to aspiring chefs? Practice hard, keep learning, and never give up!