Chef Appreciation Week – shine a light on the sectors
It's Chef Appreciation Week and we want to shine a light on the amazing talent within the sectors.
Ryan Holmes from B&I
“To all the incredible chefs across B&I, this week is dedicated to YOU!
Your passion, creativity, and dedication to crafting delicious meals bring joy to our everyday work lives. Whether it's preparing a comforting breakfast, an energising lunch, or a delightful snack, you turn every meal into an unforgettable experience.
I couldn't single out just one chef because each and every one of you are truly amazing! Thank you for the magic you create in the kitchen, the flavours that keep us coming back, and the smiles you bring to our faces with every dish.
Here's to you and everything you do!”
Bruce Toon, Culinary Director, Healthcare – Compass Group UK & Ireland
"I love Chef Appreciation Week, because it means we take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the amazing talent we have in our culinary teams.
Within our Healthcare sector, we are working with highly regulated environments with often strict requirements, but this fantastic team achieves outstanding things. Thank you to our culinary talent for all that you do."
Scott Freeman from ESS
“It is really hard to choose one person but Lee Brooking is a really valued member of the Senior Culinary team within ESS Defence. Lee works within the South-West Region of our business and is currently working on an interim role as the Regional Executive Chef.
He began working at ESS at one of our prestigious sites –in Dartmouth – as Exec Chef, and then quickly progressed into Group Chef within the South-West region.
ESS supported Lee through the Forward with Marcus Wareing Apprenticeship programme in 2022/23, where he developed his skills and knowledge even further across a range of culinary trends, sustainability subjects and people development, which has led him to further opportunities since graduating with a Distinction.
Lee’s a big advocate for developing the next generation of talent into our industry, supporting our Junior Chefs Academy as well as helping our Senior Chefs develop and progress within our business, through mentoring for the next group of Chefs entering onto theForward programme.”
Rob Kennedy from Chartwells
Chartwells Independent
“Huda Alaquel has had an amazing year where she has supported events such as the Brit awards and also competed on the culinary stage of HRC, receiving a Gold British Champs medal. Huda was also successful in reaching the final of Compass Apprentice Chef of the year, so we wish her all the best next month for the event. A true inspiration and passionate chef.”
Chartwells
“Alex Smith has continuously used his chef skills, knowledge and passion to support school kitchens all over the UK. His culinary experience and positive attitude won him the regional “Be a Star award”.
No task is too big and as a chef Alex continues to raise the food standards and team inspirations across the school business.”
Rob Dant from Chartwells Universities
Luciano Barrow joined Chartwells Universities in 2018 as Head Chef on one of our Uni contracts. He moved to Exec Chef at another leading London University to support mobilisation from day one with that client. He looks after the day-to-day business, as well as going above and beyond. He has done a great job supporting the innovation and development of our university and college food offer - thank you Luciano.”
Jeremy Ford, CH&CO’s Food Director
“Our chefs from across the group inspire me every day. Their dedication to the craft of cooking, continuous hard work and strive for perfection ensure we continually surprise and delight our customers and clients. I cannot single out just one chef, there are so many that deserve the spotlight for the great work that they do. Thank you to all of you, we appreciate you!”
Ming Lai, Managing Director at Restaurant Associates
'It's important to pause, reflect and thank our amazing culinary associates across our business for their ongoing efforts as we celebrate chef appreciation week. When food plays such a pivotal part in all that we do, from driving collaboration to forming a social glue, our talented teams of chefs continue to drive creativity and quality in this space. Thank you for being proud of what you do, you truly are the driving forces behind a lot of our constant success'.
James Buckley, Director of Culinary, Levy
"Often our frontline teams don’t get the recognition they deserve – so this week allows us to recognise them for doing a great job.
Whilst Chef Appreciation Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and bring focus to our teams, we should be celebrating them throughout the year as they are integral to our organisation, clients and customers."
Look out for further activity on Chef Appreciation Week on our socials.
