The winning menu included gnocchi with hake, granola, and cherry tomato sauce

Alejandro Hernandez and Manuela Miccoli from the Royal Surrey Hospital have won the title of NHS Chef of the Year for 2024.

The announcement was made after a gruelling week of competition which followed the regional heats several months ago.

Employees of catering contractor, Medirest, Hernandez and Miccoli presented a four-course meal for the judges comprising of venison Bao Buns with blackberry BBQ sauce, celeriac, and apple slaw; gnocchi with hake, granola, and cherry tomato sauce; lentil patty with roast potato, celeriac fondant, and mushroom gravy; and tiramisu.

As well as showcasing cooking ability, the competition is also about chef development and the mentoring programme is designed to impart knowledge and information during a three-day event, with topics covered being of relevance to the healthcare sector, such as dysphagia and reducing food waste.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Northcote restaurant, led the judging panel for the final day.

She said: “They are cooking with their hearts, using ingredients well, and thinking outside of the box.”

“It’s been a goliath challenge and a privilege to see the skills on display,” added Simon Corben, head of profession and director of NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England.

“Please go back to your trusts and showcase what you’ve done and share with others so we can all collectively raise our standards.”

The three other teams that made it through to the final were

• Michelle Robinson and Slavka Vaysilova (Stepping Hill Hospital)
• Karolina Morawiec and Kenneth Moth (Greater Manchester Mental Health)
• Daniel Hampton and Gopakumar K Bhaskaran (Royal Hampshire County Hospital)

Hernandez and Miccoli were mentored throughout the competition by HIT Training’s Keith Turrell.