MAGAZINE

As the vulture-visioned among you may have picked up from this month’s rather tasty cover, we have just held the eighth iteration of our annual StrEATfood Awards. Our congratulations go out once again to Iestyn Paton from Elior, who stole StrEATfood Dish of the year with his delicious Pulled pork sourdough pizza sando.

A further first was provided by our contestants from OCS and Midshire Signature Services. This year was the first time in history that we closed submissions early because we had received so many – so being among the sweet 16 shortlisted was already an impressive achievement. So, to get our first ever couple both being selected, unbeknownst to our panel of judges, was absolutely incredible.

“We’re husband and wife,” revealed Shannon Talbot-Bennett of OCS. “We met eight years ago while we were working for the same company.” “It’s become a bit of a rivalry,” added Dean Talbot from Midshire. “We’ve been calling each other enemies all day.”

To cap the fairytale, one of the pair also ended up walking away with a prize. Turn to page 20 to find out who, along with a look at all the other finalists and their dishes.

On the subject of our events, we have just opened entries for our 2026 Contract Catering Awards. Go to page 12 for more info, or to contractcateringawards.co.uk to start nominating – either way, it’s completely free of charge!