Gold Again! Our Chefs Take Top Honours at TUCO 2025

Culinary Excellence Recognised for Second Consecutive Year

We’re proud to announce that University of Leicester Sous Chefs Joseph Latham and Ashley Podgers have once again taken the top spot at the TUCO (The University Caterers Organisation) Competitions 2025, winning Gold in the Chefs’ Challenge and securing the esteemed Best in Class title.

After their 2024-win, Joe and Ashley returned with a renewed focus and a refined three-course menu that wowed the judges, reaffirmed their status as leaders in university catering and demonstrated that their consistency, creativity and commitment helped to clinch the coveted title.

Taking to his social media, University of Leicester Food and Drink Sous Chef, Joseph Latham said: “TUCO Chefs Challenge 2025 gold winner and best in class, 2 years on the bounce is staggering. So proud. Lots of hard work and sleepless nights.”

Senior Sous Chef, Ashley Podgers added: “We put everything into this year’s challenge; from early mornings to late-night prep. Winning gold again is an incredible feeling, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

(From left to right) Senior Chef De Partie Asa Dodd, UOL Food and Drink CEO Gavin Brown, Winners Joe Latham & Ashley Podgers, UOL Food and Drink Director of Operations Rob Bean

Beyond competitions, Joe and Ashley are central to University of Leicester Food and Drink’s food strategy. They alongside a team of talents Chefs, develop bespoke menus for hospitality events, lead the delivery of exceptional catering, and design fresh, seasonal offerings across all University food and drink outlets.

Taking part in the TUCO Competitions isn’t just about winning, it’s about learning, benchmarking, and developing excellence across the UK’s higher education sector. TUCO supports universities in delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable catering services. Through its training, frameworks, and events, TUCO helps our teams stay ahead of industry trends, sharpen their skills, and connect with peers nationwide.

These competitions offer an opportunity for our chefs to push boundaries, gain national recognition, and bring back insights that directly benefit our campus community.

Senior Chef De Partie, Asa Dodd also took part in the competitions, in the Vegan Challenge category again, after placing third last year. Although he did not place this year, we are immensely proud of what he has achieved and the dish he created.

This back-to-back victory is not only a personal achievement for Joe and Ashley but also a reflection of the University of Leicester’s investment in people, training, and service excellence.

Please join us in celebrating their success, and the continued growth of University of Leicester Food and Drink.

For a glimpse into the competition and to hear from the winners themselves, you can watch the highlights of the 2025 Chefs’ Challenge at the TUCO Competitions here.