NHS England has confirmed its commitment to the NHS Chef of the Year competition, and the application process for chef teams to participate in NHS Chef 2025 is now open.
This event, now into its fifth year, is part of a wider programme, which started with the 2020 Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food. To invest in chefs and catering staff and raise standards across the health service. Although it is branded a competition, NHS Chef is focused on the development of chefs, with mentoring and upskilling all part of the comprehensive process.
Starting with regional heats, to be held at five locations throughout July and August, eight teams will progress to the three-day mentoring event, (September 16-18), in preparation for the final of NHS Chef 2025. The final will be held in York from October 20-24. Chefs will face a series of challenges during the week, as teams are eliminated ahead of the final ‘cook-off’ on October 24.
All recipes created within the competition will be used on the National Food Platform.
Menu requirements
The first stage of NHS Chef 2025 will challenge teams to produce a three-course meal within a budget of £6-£8. The whole menu must be lower in carbon and recipes will have to be emailed to: [email protected] to work out the carbon footprint prior to cooking.
One course must be completely allergen free, and one course has to be plant-based. The main course must have a minimum of 26g protein per portion. This can include fish, meat or other items and must be served hot. The dessert should be based on 50% fruit content (hot or cold). Teams will also need to provide a breakdown of the cost of all ingredients, and evidence the nutritional value of all dishes along with a supply menu card.
No form of nut may be used at any stage of the competition.
Mentoring event
This has become a key part of NHS Chef, enabling chefs to meet and network with other chef teams from across the country and learn from guest speakers who will inform contestants on key topics.
Please email: [email protected] with ‘NHS Chef 2025’ in the title with any queries.
The application form for NHS Chef 2025 can be downloaded here.
Full details about the entry process and competition stages can be downloaded here.
Entries must be received no later than June 20, 2025.
