Seven finalists named in 2015 KP of the Year shortlist
Seven finalists have been revealed in the 2015 search for the KP of the Year, a competition launched by Winterhalter in partnership with The Caterer.
Now in its third year, it has gone from strength to strength and is the only competition in the industry to recognise and celebrate the back-breaking work that KPs do in our kitchens.
The finalists are:
Peter Barnetson, Skibo Castle, Scotland
Stephen Butler, Restaurant Associates (KPMG), London
Michael Dunn, the Rubens at the Palace hotel, London
Salif Sawadogo, Gaucho, Swallow Street, London
Siva Subramaniam, Restaurant Associates, Compass UK & Ireland
Ilidio Varela, the Montague on the Gardens, London
Kongolo Wani, the Capital hotel, London
Sara Jayne Stanes, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and a member of the KP of the Year judging panel, said: "I love being part of these motivating awards - just to be able to recognise how many vital cogs of our industry are part of the KP brigade of unsung heroes and heroines is a real pleasure."
Stephen Kinkead, managing director of Winterhalter, added: "We launched this competition in 2013 and have been delighted with the response from restaurants, pubs, schools and hotels across the country.
"This year we also launched a National KP Day via @kpoftheyear in support of Springboard UK and raised £500 for the charity - just with tweets from chefs and managers wanting to highlight the vital work that KPs do in the kitchen."
The 2015 KP of the Year prize includes £1,000 cash for the individual winning KP and a celebratory meal for the KP 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 overall winner of the 2015 KP of the Year competition will be revealed in October.
National KP Day: Winterhalter donates £500 to Springboard >>
Winterhalter launches National KP Day in support of Springboard UK >>