HC-One has celebrated the skill and creativity of its chefs with the launch of its inaugural Chef of the Year competition, recognising the vital role food plays in supporting wellbeing and creating meaningful dining experiences in care.
The grand final took place at the prestigious Grand Hotel in York, following a three-stage process which began in February 2025. After written submissions and a semi-final cook-off in Leeds, six outstanding finalists were invited to compete in front of judges including HC-One Executive Chef Chris Bonner, Compass UK&I Culinary Director Nick Vadis, and HC-One CEO James Tugendhat.
Recognising outstanding care catering talent
Mark Evans, Chef Manager at Augustus Court care home in Leeds was named HC-One’s first ever Chef of the Year. Mark impressed the judges with his Greek-inspired Chicken Spanachi – a stuffed chicken breast with spinach, feta, mint and dill, served with tomato sauce and yoghurt. With more than 20 years of experience in Michelin Guide and AA Rosette kitchens, Mark was praised for his resident-focused approach as well as his culinary finesse.
Speaking after the award, Mark said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to be named HC-One’s first ever Chef of the Year. It’s a privilege to cook for our residents every day, and this recognition means the world.”
Runner-up was Duane Ward Brown, Head Chef at Bradley Hall care home in Leicester, who created an Italian mousse-stuffed chicken breast, praised for its balance of flavour and suitability for a care setting.
Third place went to Beata (Betty) Matusiak, Chef at Harley Grange care home in Leicester, who presented a traditional Polish dish of stock-padded cabbage leaves, roast garlic purée, asparagus and tomato juice, showcasing authenticity and cultural flair.
Roy Simpson, Head Chef at Balfarg care home in Glenrothes, Fife, also won the Mystery Box Dessert Challenge with a raspberry and banana mousse on a Madeira cake base, designed with residents’ nutritional needs in mind.
Supporting professional development and wellbeing
Alongside the competition, HC-One’s catering team also took the opportunity to unveil several initiatives designed to support colleagues, including:
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The launch of the HC-One Chef Academy in partnership with Lifetime Training
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A mental health awareness session delivered by The Burnt Chef Project
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Product showcases from catering partners including Middleton Foods, Lockhart Catering, and Nestlé/Garden Gourmet
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The introduction of HC-One’s Veteran Friendly Framework, plus new innovations in texture-modified meals and dementia-friendly crockery
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, added:
“Congratulations to all our finalists. This competition highlights the extraordinary culinary talent across our care homes and the invaluable contribution our chefs make to residents’ quality of life.”
Looking ahead
Mark, Duane and Betty will now go on to represent HC-One at an upcoming Champion of Champions event, competing against winners from other leading care providers for the ultimate care catering title!
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners. We would like to give a special thank you to EF-group, Nestlé Professional, Unox UK Ltd, Lockhart’s Catering and Contiquip Ltd for helping us bring the competition to life and for championing excellence in care catering.
Explore our careers website to find out more about catering careers with HC-One.