Winterhalter is once again on the lookout for the UK’s best kitchen porter, giving the industry a chance to celebrate the everyday heroes of foodservice and catering and the vital work they do.
Kitchen Porter of the Year competition began in 2013 and each year receives hundreds of nominations from companies and organisations representing all sectors of foodservice, eager to put the spotlight on their kitchen porters. Every day KPs go to extraordinary lengths to keep things running smoothly and support their colleagues.
Many of the biggest names in the industry got their start working as KPs, and have stated that this experience was hugely important in providing them with the knowledge they needed to help build their careers. Chef Paul Ainsworth said: “I started out as a KP. It’s such a hard job! We can’t function without them. To be able to celebrate kitchen porters is great – the KP of the Year is a brilliant idea.”
Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter UK, added: “KP of the Year is something we’re hugely proud of at Winterhalter. It is always inspiring to learn how proud companies are of their KPs, with entries coming from some of the best hotels and restaurants as well as pubs, clubs and all kinds of institutions.”
This year’s winner will take home the coveted KP of the Year trophy, as well as £1,500 in vouchers and a celebratory meal for their family and friends in a casual dining restaurant of their choice. The winning KP’s employer will also get a Winterhalter dishwasher worth up to £10,000.
Alongside the grand prize, two highly commended KPs will receive a certificate and vouchers for hospitality experiences. Furthermore, every KP who is nominated will receive a bespoke KP of the Year Oliver Hardy apron..
Nominations are now open, with 29th August 2026 the deadline for entries. A shortlist of ten will be selected, before the judging panel of industry experts choose the winner.
“We’ve had hundreds of nominations down the years, and we’re looking forward to discovering more amazing stories of the dedicated KPs who go above and beyond every day to support their colleagues,” added Stephen.
More information about the competition and previous winners, as well as links to the nomination form, can be found at www.kpoftheyear.com.
Recent Posts
- UK’s seafood trade tops £6 billion as domestic and global demand strengthens
- World Cup to kick off a £900m spending boost for hospitality
- T.Quality appoints Lee Kesterton as national key accounts manager
- MP launches competition to find best fish and chip shop
- Government urged to go further following 5% VAT cut on kid’s meals
