Following five fantastic regional heats, NHS England (NHSE) has confirmed the eight finalists for its NHS Chef 2026. “The standard throughout the competition has been exceptional, with teams demonstrating outstanding culinary skill, creativity, teamwork and, most importantly, a real passion for NHS food and the patients and staff we serve,” says Tim Radcliffe, Food Programme Manager at NHSE. “Each of these teams has earned their place in the National Final, and we are now looking forward to seeing them come together for the final stage of NHS Chef 2026.”
The next stage is the NHS Chef 2026 Finalists’ Development Event, which will be held from September 15 – 17. Hosted by Parts Town UK, the finalists will work alongside mentors, spend time with the sponsors and begin their final preparations for the National Final. This year, the finals will be held at Xcelerate at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from October 5 – 8, with the presentation of awards made at an informal gathering that afternoon/evening. Final timings are still being finalised.
Huge congratulations to the finalists:
• Vivek Karimpuzhatheruvu Govindarajan and Silva Denayadura – Royal Free Hospital (Regional Winners)
• Jake Fawcett and Daniel French – South Yorkshire Foundation Trust (Regional Winners)
• Cliff and Mitchell Waudby – Gosport War Memorial Hospital (Regional Winners)
• Anca Dregan and Iuliana Galan – RNOH Stanmore (Regional Winners)
• Owen Stafford and Lauren Carter – Stepping Hill Hospital (Regional Winners)
• Thajeevan Sivaneswaran & Dhanushka Kumarage – Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS FT
• Shibu Soman and Rajeev Valiyaveettil – Epsom & St Helier Hospitals
• Dawn Roberts and Tommy Trinder – Watford General Hospital.
Good luck to all.
