Big news for Devon’s food scene! Totnes chef Harrison Brockington wins the prestigious Roux Scholarship 2026.
The 28-year-old beat five other finalists in a seriously tough cook-off at the Alain Roux Culinary School. It's a huge accolade for the chef-owner of Gather in Totnes, known for his love of foraged ingredients and local produce.
“I’m over the moon,” said Harrison after the win. “I only entered to see how far I’d get - I never thought I could do it!”
For the final, chefs were challenged to create a Mediterranean-inspired ‘surf ’n’ turf’ dish, guided by judge Mauro Colagreco. The brief? Combine Dover sole, cuttlefish and pork with seasonal veg and citrus from his three-Michelin-star restaurant Mirazur. No pressure.
Mauro praised the talent on show, but said the winner stood out for confidently balancing meat and fish - no easy feat. Joint judge Michel Roux Jr agreed, noting the “incredibly high level” and those fine margins that make all the difference.
Harrison trained at Exeter College and honed his skills in Devon kitchens before opening Gather with friends in 2019. Safe to say, it’s a win that puts Harrison, his restaurant and Devon firmly in the well deserved spotlight.