Top 10 kitchen porters for KP of the Year 2025 revealed

The final shortlist of the top 10 kitchen porters (KP) have been decided in this year’s KP of the Year award.

The competition, organised by The Caterer in association with Winterhalter, rewards KPs who go above and beyond to support their teams and ensure the smooth operation of professional kitchens.

Entries for this year’s award flooded in, and an expert panel of judges was given the difficult task of whittling down the nominations to the final few.

Entries were received from all sectors of the industry, from foodservice caterers to luxury restaurants, which saw colleagues celebrating the KPs who really go the extra mile to contribute to the efficient working of their site.

The top 10 of KPs of the Year 2025

• Sam Acquah, Alfreds, London
• Haroon Ahmad Babai, the Landmark London hotel
• Said Ali Ibrahim, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
• Jose Farinha, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London
• Hayley Gibbens, TNS Catering
• Yared Hailesilassie, Sam’s Riverside, London
• Motahar Hossin, A Wong, London
• Ram Meadows, Liverpool FC
• Hans Tegner, Millstream hotel, Chichester
• Venetia Wisher, Genuine Dining

The judges

• Dipna Anand, chef-owner, Brilliant Gastro
• Kate Brooke-Green, head of food, Mollie’s Motels
• Steve Groves, group development chef, Restaurant Associates Venues
• Kerth Gumbs, head chef, Fenchurch at the Sky Garden
• Lisa Jenkins, chief executive, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
• Stephen Kinkead, managing director, Winterhalter UK

Kinkead, who founded the award in 2013, said the competition goes from strength to strength: “The calibre of this year’s entrants has been superb and spread over an eclectic mix of establishments, from football stadiums to nursing homes – each with so many amazing kitchen porters.”

With a refreshed judging panel this year, Kinkead added: “It was interesting to hear some of the views of the new judges and just how difficult it is to actually pick the winner due to such a remarkable amount of entrants.

“This was the hardest year I have experienced to get to the top 10; however, the winner was unanimous among the judges.”

Anand described the judging process as an “incredibly tough task”. She added: “The standard was outstanding, and it really showed just how vital KPs are to the hospitality industry. The dedication, passion and pride from the candidates was inspiring, and narrowing it down to the top 10 and then the winner was no easy feat. Every single entry demonstrated how much these individuals give to their teams and their businesses, and it was a privilege to help recognise their contribution.”

Groves felt the competition was “genuinely inspiring”, and added: “The entries were full of stories that highlight just how vital KPs are — not just for the work they do, but for the culture they help create. The standard was incredibly high and it was a reminder of how much heart, pride and quiet leadership exists in kitchens up and down the country.”

Jenkins said: “This year’s KP of the Year judging was enjoyable with a wide range of entrants across all sectors of the industry. The dedication to such an important role in any kitchen team was evident. The entry level was high, and our final top 10 demonstrate an incredible group of experienced and skilled KPs working in hospitality.”

Gumbs was “amazed and thrilled to see the sheer number of entrants this year”, adding: “It’s so important to recognise our unsung heroes. It was extremely difficult to go through the shortlist, as there were so many dedicated candidates who demonstrated commitment, hard work, team spirit and a true can-do, will-do attitude – all making their invaluable presence felt within their organisations.”

The KP of the Year 2025 will win a prize package that includes the coveted KP of the Year trophy, £1,000 in vouchers, a celebratory meal with friends and family in a casual dining restaurant of the KP’s choice, and a piece of Winterhalter kit worth up to £10,000 for their employer.

Every KP who entered will receive a KP of the Year bespoke Oliver Hardy apron from Winterhalter UK and two highly commended KPs will also receive vouchers to spend on hospitality experiences.

The overall winner and the highly commended KPs will be revealed soon.