On Thursday 02nd November 2023, Lockhart Catering Equipment had the privilege to attend and sponsor the NHS Chef 2023 competition that was held at the Season Cookery School at Exclusive Hotel Lainston House.
Between the 24th of October to the 2nd of November, nine teams faced intense challenges designed to put their skills and creativity to the test. As the days progressed, the competition became tougher, gradually eliminating teams until only three remained for the final.
Dylan Lucas and Darby Hayhurst from East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust were crowned the new champions. They impressed the judges with a menu that started with cauliflower three ways and continued with a lower carbon option main dish of spiced Moroccan cakes with mixed beans, red cabbage apple and carrot slaw. The main course was Pan-fried duck breast, confit of duck leg croquette with glazed carrots, kale and beetroot and red wine jus. Followed by a dessert of ember, choc, rock and pop crumble with caramel drops and orange tuile.
Second place was taken by Ryan Corbett and Laila Darlington from Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust. Les Beare and Josh Banner from Wye Valley NHS Trust came in third.
After picking the winners, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, judge and Michelin Star Executive chef of Northcote, explained: "We've seen some great passion on plates, where Chefs have really thought about creativity and what they can bring to their departments. It's also been great to see these chefs come through the rankings and being advocates about what you can achieve. Whichever sector you're in, whether it's NHS, Fine Dine or a Coffee Chain, we can come together as an industry and celebrate these fine Chefs here today."
Speaking to the audience and finalists, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England Simon Corben said: "This is the third year of this competition, which continues to get better and better every year...and we're seeing that ripple out across the NHS now. All the Chefs should be amazingly proud of everything they represent across the NHS."
Andrew Politi, National Development Chef for NHS England, added: "The food from the winners at Blackburn Hospital has been exceptional today and across the whole competition. They've gone above and beyond, and drove themselves today to create some really inspiring dishes which is going to inspire innovation into the NHS National Menu."
Lockhart Catering Equipment presented the NHS Chef 2023 finalists with bespoke customised NHS-branded Sustainable Chef Jackets made from recycled plastic bottles as well as a premium Chef's Knife Set.
Leave a comment