Elysium has launched the Chef of the Year initiative, an initiative which shines a spotlight on the vitally important role chefs and catering teams play across its services. We spoke to Group Hotel Services Manager George Battista to find out more.
“We are very excited to have launched the Chef of the Year 2026 initiative. Chefs and cooks play an essential role in enhancing the well-being of the people we support and they are key in making sure the day-to-day needs of those who use our services are met.
“Food, as we all know, is a key part of life for human beings. And it’s not just essential for our physical well-being, but our mental well-being too. Food can impact our mood, and so our teams and the meals they create really are central to a person’s experience of our services.
“And it’s complex for chefs working in our services – it’s not a case of ‘one size fits all’. The people we support across Elysium have a very broad spectrum of needs and preferences. They have individual dietary requirements and likes and dislikes – and it’s our Chef’s job to create meals which everyone can enjoy safely.
“When developing their menus, they are thinking about what people need as well as what they like; does a person have an eating disorder, do they have an impacted swallow, or an allergy? And they do a great job every single day in creating menus and meals which reflect that diversity, and which are nutritious, delicious and take into account feedback from the people we support.
“And that is why we wanted to create this competition, to shine a light on just how creative, innovative and talented our chefs and cooks are.
“We are running the competition collaboratively with Ramsay Healthcare and want to foster culinary creativity and celebrate the talent of all chefs. We always want to enhance the dining experience of the people we support at every opportunity.
“But most of all, it is a chance to showcase the importance and value we place on nutrition and the impact it can have on a person’s recovery, as well as their experience of a service.
“The competition is open to Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chefs, Cooks and Bank Chefs. There will be heats, and four finalists will be chosen. Then, in March of next year, we have the Elysium finalists cooking alongside the four Ramsay chefs to battle it out for the title of Chef of the Year.
“Many factors, including recipes, portion sizes, nutritional information, how the plate looks and taste will all be taken into consideration. They will create two courses and have a budget of £6 to work with. Their creations will be judged by a panel, and during the regional heats, there will be patient representation on the judging panels, too.
“People can apply until the end of October and we want as many people as possible to get involved. There are prizes for all those competing in the finals, while the winner takes not only an engraved professional knife set and voucher, but they will also see their dish included on every menu across Elysium and Ramsay services.
“So, let battle commence! To get involved with Elysium Chef of the Year 2026, email chefoftheyear@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk”