RAF Boulmer chef is finalist in caterer of the year award

The winner will be chosen on Monday, March 13, and if Steve is successful, he will go forward to compete against the top Army and Royal Navy caterers.

Steve is responsible for the smooth running of the lead on-site catering facility at RAF Boulmer. The Operations Site Feeder has the highest footfall of all three catering outlets on the Station, with between 100 and 180 customers each day.

Since his arrival there in February 2016, he has implemented changes to enhance customer satisfaction by revamping the menus with an emphasis on freshly-made products.

There was a sharp rise in healthy choices and an increase of options from four to a minimum of six each day – all to a very high standard.

Steve, who has been a chef in the RAF for 15 years, said: “It was a huge surprise and I am very honoured to be a finalist. I have tried to give more choice of healthy and freshly-cooked food and it’s great to get such good feedback from customers.

“However, it’s not just about me, as I have a fantastic team behind me – other chefs, mess hands and assistants – we are a good, strong team.”