Winterhalter announces Top 10 for KP of the Year 2026

The Top 10 is here – but who will be crowned Kitchen Porter of the Year 2026?

Winterhalter UK has revealed the Top 10 contenders in this year’s Kitchen Porter of the Year competition, bringing the 2026 search for hospitality’s standout unsung hero a step closer to its conclusion.

Judging took place at the Tasting Room in Fortnum & Mason, London. The shortlist showcases the exceptional standard now being seen across the sector, as well as the wide variety of businesses putting forward their kitchen porters for recognition. This year’s finalists come from a broad cross-section of hospitality, underlining both the reach of the competition and the increasingly high regard in which the role is held.

“We are very proud to be the founders of the Kitchen Porter of the Year competition,” says Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter UK. “Each year the competition becomes tougher to judge as the calibre continues to grow. After much deliberation, we have an incredibly strong shortlist.”

The Top 10, listed in alphabetical order, is:

• Aaron Plummer of BaxterStorey, S&W – nominated by Jo Flood and Kriti Kakkar
• Attila Droszler of Cantley House Hotel – nominated by Thomas Cruise
• Buba Bozhidara of Aberdeen Football Club – nominated by Jo Flood
• Fred Jeffrey of Exeter College Hospitality Department – nominated by Paul Carne
• Geoff Goater of Rick Stein, Winchester – nominated by Chris Baker
• James “Jimmy” Higgins of The Vincent Hotel – nominated by Wendy Lucas
• Jamaine Ewers of The Raffles Hotel London – nominated by Nathan Craigie
• Jim McQuail of Edinburgh International Conference Centre – nominated by Caroline Bacigalupo
• Laraine Jolly of Lowry – nominated by Alex North
• Rachid Nemar of The Landmark Hotel – nominated by Ignatius Izah

Lisa Jenkins, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, was a returning judge for this year’s competition. “We’ve had a real breadth across the industry, lots of different sectors, lots of females, lots of experienced KPs and newer ones too,” says Lisa. “There were some really well-written entries, and it was clear that nominators had put a lot of time and thought into them.”

Mark Morris, co-founder of The Staff Canteen, said: “What struck me was the spread of businesses represented and the number of people wanting to put their kitchen porter forward. That says a great deal about how important the role has become and why it matters that Winterhalter continues to champion these often unsung members of the brigade.”

Last year’s winner was Ram Meadows of Liverpool FC. In recognition of this, his nominators, Tim Adams and Christine Fawcett, senior manager and executive development head chef and operations manager of Liverpool FC respectively, were invited to join this year’s judging panel.

“KP of the Year means a lot to us as Ram Meadows is the heartbeat of our kitchen brigade,” says Christine. “It’s been so interesting watching and being part of the judging process.”

One overall winner and three highly commended kitchen porters will be announced in the coming weeks. The winner will receive a trophy, £1,500 in vouchers and a celebratory meal for family and friends at a casual dining restaurant of their choice. Their employer will also receive a Winterhalter dishwasher worth up to £10,000.

The three highly commended recipients will each receive a trophy and gift vouchers, while every nominated KP receives a bespoke Kitchen Porter of the Year, Oliver Hardy apron.

Founded and run by Winterhalter UK, Kitchen Porter of the Year’s purpose is to recognise the dedication, resilience and pride shown by kitchen porters across hospitality. As this year’s judging again demonstrated, the competition is not only growing in scale, but also in significance for a sector increasingly keen to celebrate those who help keep professional kitchens moving.

“This competition’s in my blood,” says Stephen Kinkead. “As long as I stand upright and long after I’m gone, Kitchen Porter of the Year is here to stay.”

Winterhalter provides a total solution for dishwashing and glasswashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance, with sustainability fitted as standard.  Alongside its market-leading dish washers and glass washers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, and cleaning detergents and rinse aids