Sian Crowned Best Chelsea Bun Maker 2026

Sunday 20th September witnessed the final of the other important Bake-Off of the year, when Sian Magee from London was crowned Best Chelsea Bun Maker 2026 at the World Chelsea Bun Awards, hosted by Royal Warrant holder Partridges of Kensington. The iconic Chelsea Bun is the only bun in the world to be granted a Royal Warrant and Sian wowed the judges, including former chef, food business owner and TV / radio presenter Mark Wogan with her delectable raspberry, pistachio and chocolate Chelsea Bun, affording the over 300-year-old Royal favourite with a thoroughly modern makeover.

The awards – now in their eighth year – celebrate the legendary British treat pitting baking enthusiasts against each other, to create the ultimate spiced bun, with this year’s cooks aspiring to deliver a bake befitting the title “Traditional Chelsea Buns Meet Innovation”.

Celebrating British Baking Heritage and Innovation

The judges – including John Shepherd, owner and managing director of Partridges, Mark Wogan and Alice Ryan, senior editor of lifestyle magazine Velvet – based their decision on the look and, of course, taste credentials of the buns.

As the overall winner of the competition, Sian received a £250 prize and the prestigious accolade of Best Chelsea Bun Baker 2026.

Judging took place at the Gloucester Road 'North' Autumn Street Festival on Sunday 20 September, which celebrated local businesses, enabling visitors to sample and buy delicious food and drinks from an array of stallholders. Guests included Councillor Janet Evans, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

All entrants were invited to make a donation to Partridges’ chosen charity, React, which provides rapid, effective assistance to children with life-limiting illnesses who are living in the UK in financially disadvantaged households.

The World Chelsea Bun Awards was sponsored by The Drury Tea & Coffee Company and premium vanilla extract brand Potion De Vie.