Published: 14th May 2025
HC-One is delighted to announce that 12 talented chefs have been shortlisted as semi-finalists in this year’s inaugural Chef of the Year Competition.
The competition celebrates culinary excellence in HC-One’s care homes, highlighting the passion, creativity, and skills of its chefs in enhancing residents' dining experiences. The inaugural Chef of the Year competition will feature three exciting stages to recognise the vital role of HC-One’s catering teams.
In the first stage, HC-One care home catering colleagues submitted their signature dishes, designed for a care home setting, highlighting their nutritional benefits and explaining why the dish deserved to win. Each dish included a regular version and a Level 5 Minced and Moist alternative for residents with specific needs.
The 12 HC-One semi-finalists shortlisted for the Chef of the Year competition are:
Scotland care homes
North West care homes
North East care homes
South care homes
Midlands care homes
The 12 chosen semi-finalists will now progress to the second stage of the competition and begin an exciting journey towards the title. The semi-final and second stage will be a live cook off and will take place on 18 June at Printworks Campus Leeds City College.
The semi-finalists will showcase their dishes before a panel of judges, consisting of HC-One’s Executive Chef Chris Bonner; Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One; and Justin Clark, Business Development Chef at Middleton Foods, following receiving mentorship from HC-One Group Development Chefs to refine their skills. Six finalists will advance to the final stage on July 24, competing for the title of HC-One Chef of the Year. The winner will receive a trip to a secret culinary destination known for its rich food heritage and stunning views.
The HC-One Chef of the Year competition is sponsored by EF-Group, Unox, Contiquip, Lockharts, and Nestle. Judges will assess candidates based on nutritional value, suitability for a care setting, and the ability to meet residents' dietary needs, including special requirements like texture-modified diets and Level 5 Minced and Moist alternatives.
Judges will assess the creativity, presentation, taste, and flavour of the dishes, ensuring they are visually appealing and delicious for residents. Hydration and wellbeing are also key factors, with a focus on how the dish supports residents' health. Catering teams will be evaluated on waste reduction, sustainability, and creative use of surplus ingredients. Practicality in a care home kitchen is essential, as meals must be easy to prepare while maintaining quality. Lastly, food hygiene and safe preparation techniques will be judged during the live cook-off stages.
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, said:
“Congratulations to our shortlisted semi-finalists who have demonstrated exceptional talent in their culinary craft, sanding out amongst numerous entries from across the organisation. They will now progress to the next stage of the competition, where they will showcase their skills in front of a panel of judges.
“We extend out warmest congratulations to all 12 semi-finalists and thank every chef who has participated. We look forward to an exciting next phase and wish all contestants the very best of luck.”
For more information on career opportunities at HC-One homes in your area visit Careers - HC-One
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