This event continues to be free to enter, but applications will need to be entered through the appropriate route as a restricted class, with those teams that have qualified through their own criteria and competition.
Each regional event has been open to chefs paid directly through the NHS, or through it’s contracted catering provider who prepare staff, visitors and or patients’ meals. The teams will be scored according to the criteria below and awarded gold, silver, bronze medals by merit.
Entering teams may benefit from and are permitted to engage with external mentors to ensure that they have the confidence and capability to represent the HCA. Teams are to produce a three-course meal within a budget of £6 per head.
The 2025 champions were Daniel Freeman and Sunny Shahi from Royal Hampshire County Hospital. This year there will be eight teams of NHS Chefs take to the stage to show off their culinary skills and talents.
Criteria includes:
- One course must be plant-based
- The starter may be served hot or cold.
- The main course must be served hot and be nutritionally balanced.
- The pudding must be fruit-based and served either hot or cold.
- For the competition, chefs will need to produce two portions of the three-course meal
- All dishes may be presented artistically for the competition but must be adaptable for a standard NHS patient menu. (including use of crockery)
- Teams must demonstrate a consistently high level of hygienic working practice with consideration to sustainable procurement and food waste.
This is a restricted class – so all entries are via the HCA. Competitors will need to provide a menu card for the judges to review with an allergen sheet. For further information contact: philip.shelley1@nhs.net