A Clean Sweep for Chefs at TUCO Competitions

The University’s catering team are still riding a wave of success, having swept the board with awards at this year’s The University Caterers Organisation 2026 Chef’s competitions.

After weeks of preparation, members of the team headed to Warwick University for the prestigious national competition – a platform for university chefs to showcase their talents. A well-established event, the chef’s competitions see chefs from across the country competing in a range of categories, including Barista skills, Best Burger Challenge and Chef’s Challenge, to name but a few.

Led by Executive Chef, Richard Narramore, seven of the University’s catering team took part in this year’s event across multiple categories.

The competitions culminated in a celebratory gala dinner, where the team picked up an outstanding 8 medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 bronze) as well as 3 best in class awards – a 100% medal success rate, the best yet for team Exeter.

These awards are truly testament to the hard work, dedication and pride that ensue from our incredible catering team – congratulations to all involved.

Competitions winners

Barista Skills Challenge

Keegan Walker – Gold, Francisco Ramos Vazquez – Bronze

Mixology Competition

Chloe Drew – Bronze

Sandwich Challenge

Nicky Stanbury – Silver & Best in Class

Vegan

Nicky Stanbury – Silver

Breakfast Challenge

Federica Laudini – Silver Best in Class

Seafood

Federica Laudini – Silver

Chefs Challenge

Nick Denning & Janet Szypillo – Gold & Best in Class