Royal Navy chef crowned best in Armed Forces for exceptional skill and commitment
Petty Officer Cat Taylor of the Royal Navy has been recognised as the finest chef in the Armed Forces, showcasing exceptional culinary skills and unwavering dedication during deployments.
Her remarkable achievements have earned her the prestigious title of Armed Forces Caterer of the Year 2024.
"I'm still in complete shock if I'm honest, but I am honoured to have been nominated for the award and absolutely blown away by winning," Petty Officer Taylor said.
"I can't take all the credit though; my team on board Trent have been truly amazing, and I couldn't have done what I have without their dedication and support… and also, my mum and daughter for always motivating me to keep doing what I love," she added.
Originally from Weston-Super-Mare but now living with her family in Plymouth, Petty Officer Taylor was crowned Armed Forces Caterer of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Public Sector Awards in London on Friday.
She was named Royal Navy Caterer of the Year in February and subsequently put forward for Armed Forces prize.
Cat Taylor's journey to culinary excellence began onboard the patrol ship HMS Trent, where her culinary creations garnered widespread praise, particularly in challenging and unconventional environments.
Deployed to West Africa last autumn and currently stationed in the Caribbean since December, HMS Trent has become synonymous with top-tier cuisine, thanks in large part to Cat's innovative menus and leadership.
The chef enlisted in the Royal Navy 18 years ago at 17 and has since served extensively at sea. Mainly stationed on Plymouth-based warships, she's worked on a variety of vessels including survey ships like HMS Enterprise and Echo, assault ships Albion and Bulwark, and the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean.
She's also lent her culinary skills to crews on frigates such as HMS Northumberland and Somerset, as well as the Royal Marines bases in Stonehouse, Plymouth, and Lympstone.
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