Catering duo represent RJAH at national competition

Two talented members of the Catering Team at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital represented the Trust at the regional heats of the NHS Chef of the Year 2025 competition.

Chef Amanda Owens and Catering Supervisor Yasmin Hoggett took part in the event, which was held in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Now in its fifth year, the competition forms part of a national programme that grew out of 2020 Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food, celebrating the passion, creativity and skill of NHS catering professionals across the country.

Between them, Amanda and Yasmin have over 40 years’ experience working in the kitchens at the Oswestry-based hospital – with Amanda starting her catering journey 26 years ago, and Yasmin joining the team 16 years ago.

During the competition, they were tasked with producing a three-course meal in just 90-minutes, working within strict budget and nutritional requirements. 

The pair prepared a vegetable tempura nest with beetroot hummus for the starter, chicken roulade as the main course, and matcha berry tiramisu for dessert.

Amanda said: “I really enjoyed it. Everyone was very friendly, and it was something different from the norm. It was nice to stretch ourselves and nice to speak to people from other organisations and see what they are doing. 

“We’re not restaurant chefs, we’re used to bulk cooking, so this was a challenge, and we really had to work on our presentation especially. It was a good day, and we came out unscathed.”

Yasmin added: “We didn’t get through to the finals, but the judges were very complementary about our food. They liked the pudding especially. 

“I really enjoyed the experience. We were working with equipment that we’d never used before, but we did our best and I was happy with what we produced.”

This isn’t the first time the Catering Team at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital have taken part in the competition.  

Sian Langford, Facilities Manager, said: “Amanda and Yasmin did a fantastic job representing RJAH. The NHS Chef of the Year competition gives our colleagues the opportunity to showcase their skills, challenge themselves and gain inspiration from others. 

“Taking part over the years has helped the team create new ideas, benefitting the quality and variety of the food provided for our patients, staff and visitors.”