Hayden has won a number of prestigious accolades in culinary competitions such as the Parade Des Chefs where he is a four time Gold medallist. He was named the Craft Guild of Chefs Contract Catering Chef of the Year in 2006. In 2011 he gained a 3rd place in the National Chef of the Year and was a finalist again in 2012. In October 2013 he finally completed a long term goal and was proudly crowned National Chef of the Year.