Every month, the Kitchen Porters Club celebrates a rhythm that pulses beyond the pass, a quiet determination and steadfast presence behind every dish. That rhythm belongs to Kitchen Porters.
For August, four exceptional people have been successfully nominated, each one a story of commitment, contribution, and quiet brilliance.
Carl Chapman, Fermain Valley Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels nominated his colleague, Agostinho De Leca Vieira, who has been working with Fermain Valley Hotel for over six years. Carl said of Augustinho: “He is a person on a mission when it comes to his KP role, working across three different kitchens, although focusing on our high pace Mexican restaurant, he is dedicated, hardworking and committed to our guests and colleagues service.” Praise indeed.
Christa Janse van Rensburg, The Clink Events, nominating her colleague Siadi Ayem-Siadi who she described as “a dedicated and hardworking member of the Clink Events team”. Christa continued: “He consistently brings a positive attitude to his work, always wearing a smile, even when working behind the scenes with large volumes of washing up. His efficiency and methodical approach ensure that all kitchen equipment is cleaned and properly organised, enabling the chefs to operate smoothly and maintain high performance.”
Matt Skipper, Sous Chef at Crathorne Hall Hotel nominated their Kitchen Porter, Stephen Moon, Carl’s nomination read: “Stephen always goes above and beyond doing whatever is necessary to support us in the kitchen, whether that be deep cleaning or helping us chefs prep vegetables in the busy seasons. He even does extra shifts in other departments such as a housekeeping assistant and a night porter shifts. Without Stephen helping us all everyday Crathorne Hall would not be the amazing hotel it is.”
Nominated by Ursula Boardman, The Crumbs Project’s Head of Centre is Paul Tidey who has a learning disability and hearing loss. Ursula’s nomination recognised the contribution Paul makes to the kitchen team at The Crumbs Project: “Paul takes great pride in making sure all the cutlery, pots and pans sparkle, no spoon or fork gets left behind. Paul likes to proudly demonstrate his polishing skills to others.”
Paul Anderson, Managing Director, Meiko UK and Chair at The Kitchen Porters Club set out why hard working, talented kitchen porters need to be recognised and seen by their colleagues: “Every month we see people from across our industry take time out to ensure their kitchen porter colleagues are acknowledged for the role they play in ensuring kitchens operate at optimum efficiency. And every month we also see how kitchen porters not only do their own jobs, but they also help others do theirs.
“Kitchen porters are the linchpin of many organisations as this month’s winners demonstrate.”
From luxury hotels to social enterprises, these August honourees remind us that excellence is always on duty in our industry. It happens under pressure, in the margins, at the end of the night shift. And it is Kitchen Porters who carry that excellence, day in, day out.
The Kitchen Porters Club celebrates them, not just for what they do, but for what they represent: professionalism, pride, and the heart of hospitality.
A Kitchen Porters Club membership certificate, branded apron and water bottle are now on their way to Augustinho, Siadi, Stephen and Paul.
If you would like to show one or more of your kitchen porter colleagues just how much their work and application is appreciated, please complete the form below. It only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference to those that keep our kitchens in perfect working order.
