The finalists will be set a number of tasks over four days, including making fresh pasta

The work of NHS catering staff is being highlighted as eight teams battle for the title of Chef of the Year.

Regional events have been completed and the eight teams that will battle for the title of NHS Chef of the Year 2024 have been confirmed.

Chefs representing East London Mental Health Trust, Stepping Hill Hospital (Stockport NHS FT), Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS FT, Royal Surrey County Hospital (Royal Surrey NHS FT), St Richards Hospital, Chichester (University Hospitals Sussex NHS FT), Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester (Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT), Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust and University Hospital Southampton NHS FT will compete in finals week, which will take place from 14-18 October at the Grand Hotel in York.

Throughout finals week, the chef teams will face a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge, skills, and creativity, including:

• Recreating a recipe from the NHS national bank
• Preparing, making, and decorating a Victoria sponge
• Taking part in The ‘Fake away’ healthy takeaway concept – preparing two mains and two sides
• Preparing a juice or smoothie to support patient hydration
• Creating two breakfast choices – one hot and one cold, and one has to be allergen-free
• Preparing two plant-based meals
• Designing and printing a hospitality menu to a budget and produce three different items from the menu
• Creating two dishes designed around children’s nutrition
• Creating a plated dessert, comprising two elements and inspired by one of Nestlé’s chocolate brands, plus a hot or iced coffee creation
• Making fresh pasta and a sauce
• Creating and producing a full menu of four courses, comprising an energy-dense starter, a main course, plant-based main course, and dessert; each course more be lower in carbon compared to normal dishes

Michelin-starred chef, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, from Northcote Restaurant will be the guest judge for the grand finale of the competition.