TWO award-winning chefs at the Gobowen-based Orthopaedic Hospital have qualified for the final stages at the national NHS Chef of the Year competition.

Gill Owen and Dan Roberts are part of the award-winning catering team at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital, which has this month been recognised for serving the best food in the NHS – for the 17th time in the past 18 years.

The duo qualified for the finals after the regional competition where they served red lentil dhal with flatbreads, and lamb macaroni with roasted vegetables and balsamic glaze, followed by a dessert of marshmallow, berry and peach mousse. 

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Gill said: “It was a real honour to be asked to represent RJAH along with Dan in this competition and we had a fantastic time at the regional heats. 
 
“We had no idea what to expect really, having never entered before, but it went well, and we’re delighted to have got through.

“Now we’ll be looking forward to cooking again in the finals week.” 

 

The chefs will travel to the Lainston House Hotel in Winchester at the end of October for the finals where the contest will run in the style of BBC Masterchef.

The teams will be eliminated in successive finals rounds until there are just three left standing to cook for the title.

Dan added: “We take real pride in the food that we serve at RJAH, whether that be for patients, staff or visitors.

“It was great that the judges enjoyed what we served them too, and we can’t wait to get in that kitchen next month and do it all again.” 

NHS Chef of the Year was launched in 2021 following recommendations in the Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food to support and develop hospital chefs and aims to raise their profile by giving them a platform to showcase their talent, skills and creativity. 

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Stacey Keegan, chief executive of RJAH, said: “I am delighted that Gill and Dan have got through to the final stages of this competition, and I am certain that it is thoroughly deserved. 
 
“Our catering team go above and beyond every single day, and that is reflected in the fantastic feedback we get for the food they serve.

“It is wonderful that this competition is shining a light on their wonderful work, and I am sure that every single member of staff will be rooting for them.

“I’m sure they can bring that title back to Shropshire.”