Two chefs from Watford General Hospital have won the national NHS Chef of the Year 2026 title after impressing judges with their creativity and high quality food.
Tommy Trinder and Dawn Roberts secured the award following a four day final at Xcelerate in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Throughout the competition, the pair demonstrated how exceptional dishes can be produced within the practical demands of NHS catering.
Finalists were challenged to create a three-course menu on a £6 to £8 budget. The starter had to be plant-based, one course had to be completely allergen-free and no nuts could be used.
Mentored by Rhys Richardson from Eat Curious, their menu included a standout dessert of turmeric-poached pear, baked yoghurt, warm ginger cake, cinnamon crumb, pear reduction and pear crisp.
Dawn said: “It’s been a fantastic experience. We went into it hoping to learn, get involved and do well, and we’ve really enjoyed the journey.
“Meeting mentors and people from different hospitals and sharing experiences has made it so worthwhile. Putting our heart into it made it feel really special, and the whole journey has been a great learning experience.”
Tommy said: “Winning NHS Chef of the Year makes me feel proud of what we can achieve as a team when we are under pressure. The most enjoyable part of the whole competition was the final challenge, cooking all three courses."
Eight finalist teams competed, showing how nutritious, high-quality meals can be delivered within hospital budgets, service times and operational constraints.
The competition also highlighted the contribution healthcare catering teams make to patients, visitors and NHS staff every day.
Stuart Finn, Director of Environment at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud of Dawn and Tommy. This national recognition is testament to their talent, creativity and dedication, and to the exceptional standards they bring to their work every day.”
Over six years, the NHS Chef Competition has helped raise technical cookery standards across the healthcare sector, while strengthening collaboration between NHS chefs, industry mentors and sponsors. The initiative continues to drive innovation and support improvements in patient and staff catering services throughout the NHS.
The award recognises Tommy and Dawn’s skill and the vital role hospital chefs play in creating enjoyable, nutritious food for the communities they serve.