National Association of Care Catering Care Chef of the Year 2023 finalists revealed

The finalists for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition have been announced.

They were selected from a series of 90-minute regional heats across the Midlands, the south-east, Scotland, the north, the south-west and Wales in June.

Candidates were tasked with creating a two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The cost for both courses combined could not be more than £3.50 per head.

Steve Munkley, vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs and this year’s lead judge, said: “I have been incredibly pleased with the standards I have seen so far. This is a really important competition that highlights the skills within the care sector.”

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, added: “Congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2023! The calibre of entries for this competition continues to be incredibly high, and we have seen exceptional dishes created and served by chefs across the regional heats. The finalists should be immensely proud of their efforts so far.”

The national final has been scheduled to take place on 3 October.

The finalists are

• Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection
• Alex Millichamp, Chandler Court, Care UK
• Chris Mattinson, Sycamore Court, Caterplus/Elior
• Brian Preston, RBL Lister House – Royal British Legion
• Jessica Vreede, Guthrie House, Four Seasons Health Care
• Graham Watson, Lauder Lodge, Care UK
• Kasia Hab-Bialkowska, Highmarket House Care Home, Care UK
• Chris Mitchley, St. John’s House, Castlemeadow Care
• Darren Nelson, Trymview Hall Care Home, Care UK
• Daniel Bree, Hartwood House, Cinnamon Care
• Alex Connell, Vegetarian for Life
• David Sharp, Signature for Barnet, Signature Care