TWO SANDWICH CHEFS FROM NEWRY’S AROUND NOON IN RUNNING FOR UK SANDWICH DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Two sandwich chefs from Newry-headquartered Around Noon are in the running for UK Sandwich & Food to Go Designer of the Year.

They will go up against chefs from across the UK in the competition which is a highlight of The Sandwich & Food to Go Awards – also known as The Sammies – an annual awards programme organised by The British Sandwich and Food-to-Go Association.

This year’s winners will be announced on Thursday, 9 May 2024 at the Royal Lancaster, London.

The shortlisted entrants include Kieran McGivern, the executive chef at Around Noon’s Newry site who last year scooped two category-winner titles for his ‘Blockbuster Chicken and ‘So Many B’s’ sandwiches at the awards ceremony which took place in May 2023.

This year, Kieran is shortlisted for a sandwich called ‘York Shire Ya Know Yer Self’ in the Cottage Delight Chutney & Curd category.

Kieran’s colleague Kat Padgett, who is based at Around Noon’s site in West London is shortlisted for her Beets & Greens creation in the JDM Food Group Free-From category.

The competition invited sandwich professionals from across the UK to enter by creating an innovative sandwich or food to go product using the category sponsor’s ingredient as the key element, together with other food components of their choice.

Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, congratulated the chefs and wished them well in the awards, which take place in May again this year. He said: “It’s fantastic to have two of our sandwich chefs in the running for the awards. They are a big event for our industry and showcase and celebrate creativity and excellence. Well done to Kieran, and Kat.”