Peter Barnetson of Skibo Castle is named the UK’s top kitchen porter
Peter Barnetson of Skibo Castle, Scotland, has been named Kitchen 
Porter of the Year 2015. The award, which is the brainchild of commercial dishwasher specialist Winterhalter, celebrates the enormous contribution – usually overlooked – that KPs make to the foodservice industry.
Peter was nominated by Craig Rowland, executive chef at Skibo, who said, “Peter’s work ethic is second to none. His enthusiasm motivates the team, and his fastidious standards rub off on them! He’s a famous leg-puller and his jokes keep the atmosphere light during a busy, stressful day.”
Along with the glory of being KP of the Year, Peter receives a trophy, £1,000 cash, plus a celebratory meal with friends, family and colleagues. In addition, he wins a major prize for his kitchen – a brand new Winterhalter warewasher worth up to £8,000.
“Peter deserves huge congratulations,” says Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter UK. “This was the toughest year ever to judge and the calibre of the shortlist was incredible; the difference between the top few was paper thin. To win against that level of competition is a real accolade – the more so since, when the chips were down, Peter was the judges’ unanimous choice.”
The calibre of the competition is reflected in the two highly commended runners up, Stephen Butler, of Restaurant Associates (KPMG), London and SalifSawadogo, of Gaucho, Swallow Street, London. Stephen’s nominator, head chef Stacey Harris, said, “Despite having to overcome serious personal circumstances, Stephen never lets the team down and does a great job.” Salif was nominated by Lia Villarreal, head of recruitment and HR, who described him as “A natural hospitality industry ambassador. He’s the engine of the restaurant and keeps everyone going!”
Both runners up receive cash prizes of £250.
Meanwhile Winterhalter is gearing up to deliver a prize to every single kitchen porter who was nominated this year, in the form of a special KP of the Year presentation tin and apron, made by Oliver Harvey. “All these KPs deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication,” says Stephen Kinkead. “That’s why we decided they should all get a memento.”
Winterhalter is hoping that colleagues of recipients of the apron will take a snap of them in their new threads and tweet it using the hashtag #kpoftheyear, so that the image can be added to the KP Hall of Fame at www.kpoftheyear.com
Meanwhile back at Skibo, the 2015 KP of the Year isn’t resting on his laurels. “Peter’s latest project is assisting in the design of our new clubhouse kitchen, including the wash area and the siting and choice of equipment,” says Craig. “He inspires those around him and encourages them to want to do their best.”
To find out more about the KP of the Year awards visit kpoftheyear.com. In the site’s video gallery there are interviews with top chefs such as Nathan Outlaw, John Williams, Adam Stokes and Cyrus Todiwala, all talking about their KPs – plus a video with Michel Roux Jnr, Emily Watkins, Marcus Wareing, Brian Turner CBE et al, who imagine a day without a kitchen porter.
Winterhalter provides a total solution for warewashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance. Alongside its market-leading dish and glasswashers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, cleaning chemicals and detergents. For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.com/uk-en/, or www.winterhalter-scout.biz or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.