Celebrating not just food, but a lifestyle 

For lovers of game meat, the Eat Game Awards are the ultimate annual celebration. The awards gala is a night where passion for wild, sustainable food is at its peak. This year’s event was no exception, bringing together top chefs, gamedealers, conservationists and enthusiastic foodies to honour those who are elevating Britain’s game industry to new heights and reaching new audiences. 

There was a sense of excitement from the moment guests started to arrive at the stunning Soane Hall in Marylebone. Conversations hummed and the air buzzed with a shared appreciation for the hard work and dedication of everyone there in promoting game meat. Unlike any other food awards, this event doesn’t just recognise culinary prowess but champions the entire journey of game from field to fork. It’s a testament to the people who work tirelessly to promote game as a sustainable, ethical and delicious choice. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of chef and ST contributor Rachel Green, who claimed the Champion of Champions award, sponsored by BASC. A long-time advocate of British game, Rachel’s passion for showcasing the versatility of wild meat has won her many admirers. Her win was met with rapturous applause, a sign of the community’s appreciation for her work. 

After being hugged and congratulated, Rachel shared that her father introduced her into the world of shooting at an early age. She remarked that two key aspects of shooting she loves are “the comradeship that goes within that and, most importantly, eating everything you shoot”. She said: “I have so many memories of that, the countryside and shooting and all of the people involved, and that has been my inspiration.” 

Sustainable choice 

The Eat Game Awards also shine a light on gamedealers, butchers and retailers, whose dedication plays a crucial role in making game more accessible and encouraging more people to embrace it as a delicious, nutritious and sustainable choice. 

Beyond the accolades and fine dining, what makes this event truly special is the camaraderie among the attendees. The awards serve as a rallying point for those who believe in the future of game meat – where shooting, conservation and culinary innovation go hand in hand. As the evening drew to a close, the room was still alive with discussion, ideas and a continued enthusiasm for getting more people to discover the joys of game. 

The Eat Game Awards are more than just one night; they’re a movement. Each year, they help strengthen Britain’s game meat sector, ensuring that its benefits are championed. With every dish served and every award presented, the event reinforces the idea that game is not just food – it’s a story, a tradition and a way of life worth celebrating. 

GAME ON COMPETITION WINNER SHINES AT EAT GAME AWARDS 2025 

Josh Zitha, winner of BASC’s Game On canapés competition, took centre stage at the Eat Game Awards, serving his award-winning dish, an individual partridge pithivier with confit redleg and wild mushroom duxelles. 

The competition, sponsored by Lincolnshire Game, saw nine students cook their dishes in the final held at Westminster College. Josh’s victory earned him the opportunity to serve his dish at the awards. 

Josh, a City of Oxford College student, prepped his dish for the awards alongside his tutor as his sous chef. He impressed the venue’s head chef so much so that he offered him a week-long placement in the prestigious One Dining kitchen. 

The competition and awards have fuelled Josh’s passion for game and will help inspire his culinary journey.