Compass Celebrates Success at Public Sector Catering Awards

Compass Group UK & Ireland is celebrating after winning several awards at the prestigious Public Sector Catering Awards 2026. The annual ceremony was held at the Hilton London Metropole on Thursday 9th April, recognising individuals, teams and organisations who have delivered outstanding foodservice across the public sector.

ESS was named the Contract Caterer of the Year

The company was recognised for its work across defence, police, secure environments and central government, focusing on the delivery of innovation, sustainability and social value initiatives. These included the introduction of wild venison onto menus, the launch of exciting new food concepts, partnerships to reduce food waste and single-use plastics, and the ongoing success of Junior Chef Academy and supported internship programmes.

Scott Freeman, Culinary Director for ESS commented: “I’m really proud to have collected the Public Sector Catering Award for Contract Caterer of the Year for ESS. Awards like this are never about one or two people - they’re about a whole team pulling in the same direction, aspiring every day to be better for our customers and the organisations we support. From our kitchen porters and managers to our SMEs, chefs and every role in between, thank you to the whole ESS team.”

Chartwells Universities & University of Sussex won the University Catering Award and Michael King, Culinary Lead at Chartwells Universities won the Chef of the Year Award

The double win for Chartwells Universities and University of Sussex is acknowledgement of their partnership, which began in 2013. Together, they have transformed campus catering to provide students with dynamic food experiences that truly align with their wants and needs.

Michael King said: “What we’ve built together at the University of Sussex is something I’m incredibly proud of. Winning both Chef of the Year and the University Catering award reflects the passion, standards and teamwork across the whole Chartwells Universities partnership.”

Mark Lawrence, Contract Director, Chartwells Universities commented: “This is a brilliant reflection of what a true one‑team approach looks like in a university setting. When catering, estates, sustainability and communications work in step, you can genuinely raise the bar.”

For all the winners visit - 2026 Winners | Public Sector Catering Awards