In 2024 Winterhalter is celebrating the 10th Kitchen Porter of the Year competition, which aims to recognise the amazing work so many kitchen porters do. With nominations closed, the judges have drawn up the Top Ten shortlist, from which the winner and runners up will be chosen. This year’s shortlist is:
Hugh Beaumont, head kitchen porter, Westberry Hotel
Cirilo Bomaba Moche, steward, The Balmoral Hotel
Leszek Dajnowicz, kitchen porter manager, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Geoff Goater, kitchen porter, Rick Stein Group
Sammar Gurung, head kitchen porter, The Bath Priory
Austin Ottolorin, head kitchen porter, BM Caterers
Izaias Pereira De Oliveira, kitchen porter, Gaucho Restaurants
Marito Pires De Sousa, kitchen porter, Mollie’s Motels
Richard Plewes, kitchen porter, Cedar Court Hotels
Jaroslav Semkovych, kitchen porter, The Connaught
The winner of the KP of the Year 2024 will be announced in the next few weeks. They will be awarded the prestigious KPOTY trophy, as well as £1000 in vouchers and a celebratory meal for friends and family in a casual dining restaurant of their choice. Furthermore, the winning KP’s employer will get a piece of Winterhalter equipment worth up to £10,000.
Along with this, three highly commended KPs will receive vouchers to hospitality experiences, and every nominee will get a bespoke KP of the Year apron designed by Oliver Hardy.
More information about the competition and previous winners can be found at www.kpoftheyear.com.