24.11.2025

Our 2024 NHS Chef of the Year competition winners showcase hospital meals at the Public Sector Catering Expo

Manuela Miccoli and Alejandro Hernandez, who won the 2024 NHS Chef of the Year competition have been showcasing healthy and nutritious hospital meals during a demonstration at the Public Sector Catering Expo.

The event took place 18–19 November at the NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. The Public Sector Catering Kitchen is designed to highlight the outstanding work of chefs and caterers who help feed the nation with healthy, sustainable, and nutritious meals.

Throughout the event, public sector chefs from various areas of the industry took part in live cooking demonstrations while sharing insights about their roles in conversation with celebrity chef Si King of the Hairy Bikers.

Tell us a bit more about why you appeared at the Public Sector Catering Expo?

Last year, we won the NHS Chef of the year competition. Our winning menu consisted of a venison bao bun starter, served with blackberry barbecue sauce and a celeriac and apple slaw; gnocchi with hake, granola and cherry tomato sauce; lentil patty, roast potato, celeriac fondant and mushroom gravy; plus a classic tiramisu. All of the dishes were created on an NHS budget, while reflecting the daily efforts of NHS chefs to cater for diverse dietary needs.

Showcasing our meals at this event was an opportunity to share our dishes and talk about our experience of winning the competition.

What else was happening at the event?

The event featured an exhibition with over 100 suppliers, an engaging speaker programme, cooking demonstrations, and the military catering competition Exercise Joint Caterer (EJC). It was really interesting to be there with others from across the sector.

What were your highlights?

Manuela: One of the biggest highlights for me was cooking our fresh gnocchi with hake fillet, tomato sauce, and a crunchy savoury granola in front of a live audience. It’s a dish we’re really proud of because it shows how creative and nutritious NHS food can be, even on a tight budget.

Cooking side-by-side with Si King was an unforgettable experience. He’s such a respected figure in the industry, and we had the chance not only to cook with him but also to talk about our journey into catering, what it meant for us to win NHS Chef of the Year, and why good food in hospitals matters.

Alejandro: Being on a billboard publicly shown for the event makes me feel proud, but also pleased that the Expo helps us chefs be seen and recognised for what we do on a daily basis.

What’s next?

Manuela: I’ll continue working with our NHS community by supporting the quality of hospital food and developing my skills even further. My focus is on creating meals that are nutritious, sustainable, and enjoyable for patients, staff and visitors, while continuing to represent NHS chefs and highlight the importance of good food in healthcare settings.

Alejandro: My passion for cooking will guide me as I work toward achieving my goals in the culinary field. I am eager to contribute to future events that highlight the value of nutritional wellness, and to enhance my culinary expertise through competitions and continuous learning.