We are proud to announce that the Royal Free London Private Patients Unit Head Chef Vivek and Chef Silva have won the London Heat of the NHS Chef of the Year 2026, qualifying them for a place in the competition’s final.
The sixth NHS Chef of the Year competition celebrates the best in hospital catering. The event featured outstanding NHS chefs and highlighted their creativity, skill, and dedication to excellence.
Held in July at the University of West London, each team prepared a three-course low-carbon-footprint meal within a £6-£8 budget. The three-course menu required at least one completely allergen free meal and must not use any form of nut in any dish. The three meals included a plant-based starter, a main course containing at least 26 grams of protein (this can include fish, meat or other items) which must be served hot, and a dessert with at least 50% fruit content.
Chef Vivek and Silva’s winning dishes were, beetroot tikki, pan-seared hake and lemon & strawberry delight. In the competition organiser’s congratulations to Vivek and Silva on their placement, they said, “The standard of competition was exceptionally high, and you should be incredibly proud of what you achieved. Your skill, professionalism, creativity and commitment to producing outstanding food under competition conditions were evident throughout the day, and your performance deservedly earned you a place in the NHS Chef 2026 Final.“
Vivek and Silva will compete with other finalist at the national level in Edgbaston, Birmingham, from 5 to 9 October.
PPU Head Chef Vivek said, “Thank you so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support. I truly appreciate all the congratulations and good wishes. It was an honour to represent our Trust at the NHS Chef of the Year, London Heat. We’re both delighted to have won the London regional competition and to have secured a place in the National Finals. A big thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the journey. Your encouragement means a great deal, and we’ll do our very best to represent the Trust proudly in Birmingham this October. The dishes were inspired by nutritious, seasonal ingredients and designed to showcase how hospital food can be both healthy and full of flavour. Thank you once again for all your support. We look forward to making you proud at the National Finals!”
Image: Head Chef Vivek, Chef Silva with the committee and organisers of London Heat NHS Chef of the Year, held at the University of West London.