HC-One catering colleagues across the UK are preparing to take part in the first-ever HC-One Chef of the Year Competition, celebrating their skills, creativity, and passion for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for residents.
This exciting new competition recognises the vital role HC-One’s catering teams play in enhancing residents’ dining experiences. It will take competitors through three stages, culminating in a prestigious final where one talented chef will be crowned the first-ever HC-One Chef of the Year.
Competition stages
The competition kicks off with Stage One, where catering colleagues will submit their signature dish, designed specifically for a care home setting. Entries must include a Level 5 Minced and Moist alternative to cater to residents with specific dietary needs. Judges will assess submissions based on nutritional value, creativity, and suitability for care home dining.
At the end of April, 12 semi-finalists will be shortlisted by a judging panel led by HC-One’s Executive Chef and Nutrition & Hydration Lead, Chris Bonner, alongside industry experts Ben Ross (Unox), Jamie Clews (Metcalf), and Nick Vardis (Foodbuy).
The semi-final cook-off will take place on June 18 in Leeds, where the 12 semi-finalists will bring their dishes to life in front of the judges. They will receive mentorship from HC-One Group Development Chefs to refine and perfect their skills.
From there, six finalists will advance to the grand finale on July 24, where they will compete for the prestigious title of HC-One Chef of the Year.
A prestigious prize
The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience—a trip to a top-secret destination known for its rich food culture and breathtaking scenery. The competition is proudly supported and sponsored by EF-Group, Unox, Contiquip, Lockharts, and Nestlé.
Judging criteria
The judging panel will assess participants based on several key factors:
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Nutritional value & care suitability – ensuring dishes meet residents’ dietary needs, including texture-modified diets.
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Creativity & presentation – elevating care home dining with visually appealing, innovative dishes.
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Taste & flavour – delivering delicious, well-seasoned meals that residents will enjoy.
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Hydration & wellbeing – considering how dishes contribute to residents’ overall health.
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Sustainability & waste reduction – creatively incorporating surplus ingredients and minimising waste.
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Practicality in care home kitchens – ensuring meals can be realistically prepared while maintaining high standards.
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Food hygiene & safety – contestants will be judged on cleanliness, safe preparation, and hygiene practices.
A word from HC-One’s head of catering
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, said: "We are proud to launch the first-ever HC-One Chef of the Year competition. Our catering colleagues go the extra mile every day to create exceptional meals for residents, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents.
We look forward to seeing the incredible entries and celebrating the dedication and skill of our catering teams. A special thank you to our sponsors for making this possible."
Working in catering within the care sector is highly rewarding, offering career progression, flexible working, and the chance to play a vital role in maintaining residents’ health and wellbeing.
Join the HC-One team
Interested in a career in care home catering? Explore opportunities at HC-One and become part of a team dedicated to enhancing residents’ lives through exceptional food and hospitality.
Find out more about careers at HC-One