2017 KP of the Year competition open for entries

The search is on for the 2017 KP of the Year, with the competition now open for entries.

Organised by The Caterer in partnership with warewash manufacturer Winterhalter, the competition has gathered a huge fan base over the last four years, with hundreds of entries submitted.

Mick Dunn (pictured centre), kitchen porter at Red Carnation's Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41 & bbar in London, was last year's winner, chosen for his outstanding loyalty among other attributes.

Dunn was described as a phenomenal KP by competition judge James Horler, chief executive of 3Sixty Restaurants, who added that his consultative approach to working with other departments set him apart from his peers.

A KP for over 27 years, Dunn is a respected member of the Red Carnation team, and is known across the business for his engaging personality and brilliant sense of humour that shines through in his everyday dealings with all his colleagues whether front or back of house.

This year the judges will be looking for entries that highlight the high level of kitchen knowledge held by KPs, that demonstrate the vital role they play as part of the brigade and most importantly how they pass on their passion and act as a role model for other KPs.

Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter UK, said: "It's such a wonderful feeling to hear so many of our nominating chefs speak so highly of their kitchen porters. They are a key member of the team and the kitchen would not function properly without them.

"We will run our third National KP Day on 22 June, working alongside Springboard to raise some well-deserved funds for the charity and highlight the role KPs play as the hub of the kitchen. You can join the already very busy Twitter forum at #kpoftheyear2017."

The 2017 KP of the Year prize includes £1,000 cash for the winner and a celebratory meal for them and their friends and family in a casual dining restaurant of their choice. The winner's place of work will win a prize too, in the shape of one of Winterhalter's warewash products worth up to £8,000.

The deadline for entries is 3 August 2017 and applicants will be judged by a panel of industry experts (no presentation necessary) with the winner announced in September.

To enter visit www.thecaterer.com/kpoftheyear2017

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