Kamal Pachhai of Thomas Franks at Databricks, Emily Valentine of The CRUMBS Project and Nadiia Lynda of De Vere Wokefield Estate have been named the Kitchen Porters Club’s October Kitchen Porters of the Month.
Their nominations celebrate the care, commitment and teamwork they bring to their kitchens, alongside the individual qualities that make each a valued colleague.
Kamal Pachhai — Thomas Franks at Databricks
Kamal was nominated by Luciana Patron, London Group Manager at Thomas Franks, who highlighted his kindness, willingness to help others and dedication to balancing work with his studies.
Luciana said: “Kamal is an exceptional Kitchen Porter who consistently goes above and beyond in his role. He is reliable, hardworking, and always brings a positive attitude to the team. Kind and supportive by nature, he is always willing to step in, help colleagues, and take on additional responsibilities whenever needed. His commitment to teamwork and his readiness to support others make him a valued member of the operation.
“Alongside his work, he is pursuing his studies and continues to perform at a high standard while balancing both commitments. His dedication, strong work ethic, and determination to support himself through his education are truly admirable and reflect his professionalism and character.”
Emily Valentine — The CRUMBS Project
Emily’s award recognises two years of progress through her training programme at The CRUMBS Project, where she has developed her skills, grown in confidence and taken on responsibility within the kitchen team.
She was nominated by Ursula Boardman, Head of Centre at The CRUMBS Project, who has witnessed that development first-hand.
Ursula said: “Over the past two years, Emily Valentine has grown tremendously through her training programme. As a young woman with autism, Emily initially lacked confidence and was very quiet, however, she has truly flourished, finding her voice and developing into a valued and capable member of the kitchen team.
“Emily excels in the kitchen environment and takes great pride in managing the dishwashing area, ensuring operations run smoothly and helping to keep her peers on track, so they arrive punctually for their afternoon training sessions. Her leadership, reliability, and attention to detail have made her an important part of the team.
“Next month, Emily will begin a work experience placement in the kitchen of a local care home, with the hope that it will lead to paid employment. She is an enthusiastic, hardworking, and dedicated individual whose long-term ambition has always been to secure paid employment within the catering industry. Emily’s progress, determination, and positive attitude make her an outstanding candidate for recognition.”
Nadiia Lynda — De Vere Wokefield Estate
Nadiia was nominated by Emily Stephenson, Mansion House Head Chef at De Vere Wokefield Estate, for her work ethic, positive attitude and contribution to the smooth running of the kitchen.
Emily Stephenson said: “Nadiia is such a positive KP who goes above and beyond to help her colleagues and ensure the smooth running of the kitchen. She deserves to be nominated due to her work ethic, attitude and for being such a lovely person!”
Recognising October’s winners
Paul Anderson, Managing Director of MEIKO UK and head of the Kitchen Porter of the Month judging process, said: “What comes through in these nominations is how much Kamal, Emily and Nadiia mean to the people working alongside them. Kamal combines a demanding role with his studies and still makes time to help his colleagues. Emily has grown in confidence and ability, taking responsibility in the kitchen as she works towards her ambition of paid employment. Nadiia’s nomination speaks to the difference a positive attitude and a readiness to help can make to the whole team.
“Each deserves recognition for their own achievements. Together, they show why kitchen porters are so important to a successful kitchen: the care they take in their work extends to the people around them. Congratulations to all three, and thank you to Luciana, Ursula and Emily Stephenson for making sure their contributions are recognised.”
Nadiia, Emily and Kamal will all receive their Kitchen Porters Club Certificate of Membership, branded apron and water bottle.
Congratulations to Kamal, Emily and Nadiia from everyone at the Kitchen Porters Club.