Winterhalter’s awards that recognise the unsung heroes of the kitchen are closing in on the climax to the tenth year of competition. Having deliberated, pondered and chewed things over, the Kitchen Porter of the Year judges have announced the top ten shortlist for the 2023 award.

“This is our tenth KP of the Year award and, without doubt, it was the toughest yet in terms of judging, with outstanding entries from all over the UK,” said Stephen Kinkead, Managing Director of Winterhalter, the company behind the award. “Huge congratulations to everyone on our shortlist – you are the top ten of a very, very strong field.”

The judging panel consisted of Lisa Jenkins, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts; Matthew Marshall, executive chef, Royal Automobile Club; Paul Mattocks, executive chef, Victory Services Club; Ben Murphy, chef-patron, Launceston Place; and Stephen Kinkead.

Paul commented, “What really struck me was the quality of the entries – there are so many really good KPs out there!” Lisa was similarly impressed, “The overall standard was very high,” she said.

First time judge Ben underlined the importance of KPs, “So much stems from their work,” he said, and Matthew emphasised the point, saying “If a KP doesn’t turn up it’s a huge issue – they’re crucial!”

Several of the judges commented on the way the work of the kitchen porter has changed over the ten years of Winterhalter’s KP of the Year award. “The entries show how involved they are in every aspect of the kitchen’s work and beyond,” said Stephen, “from running the vegetable garden to initiating sustainability programmes. There has also been a big shift in terms of how the KP is viewed – with many organisations offering clear career progressions, creating roles such as Head KP and KP Manager.”

The finalists (in no particular order) are:

• Elisabetta Cenderello, kitchen porter, 21 Hospitality Group

• Trevor Cotton, kitchen porter, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester

• Adrian Glass, kitchen porter, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

• Geoff Goater, kitchen porter, Rick Stein Winchester

• Consti Istrate, kitchen porter supervisor, Manchester Central Convention Complex

• Daniel Kassaye Melese, senior steward, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London

• Mark Leishman, deputy chief steward, The Montague on the Gardens Hotel, London

• Alex Maphalala, Health Service Laboratories, BaxterStorey

• Micheal Neve, kitchen porter, Tallow, Tunbridge Wells

• Declan Quinn, kitchen porter supervisor, Gleneagles, Auchterarder

The winner of the KP of the Year 2023 will be announced in the next few weeks. Their prize includes £1,000, a celebratory event with family and friends, and the prestigious KP of the Year trophy. They also win help with their work, since their establishment will receive a new Winterhalter dishwasher – which should make their life a bit easier! Two runners up receive cash prizes and everyone who has been entered will receive a celebratory KP of the Year apron in a presentation tin.

For information on the KP of the Year competition visit the website here.