By
BaxterStorey
Posted 2 weeks ago
Fri 27 Jun, 2025 12:06 AM
It was a double victory for our London College of Fashion team at the BaxterStorey London People Awards! ⭐️
On a night dedicated to celebrating talent, passion and commitment across the hospitality industry, two of our very own team members took home top honours and we couldn't be prouder.
Don't know who BaxterStorey is? BaxterStorey is an independent hospitality provider who provide all the catering services here at UAL – from the baristas behind the café counter and chefs in the canteen to everyone who serves you at university.
So let's see who took home the trophies this year...
🏆 Manager of the Year – Vladka Sabikova
Based at London College of Fashion, you will often see Vladka in and out of the kitchen and behind the counter, managing all things canteen and café. Whether she's guiding her team through a busy service (we all know what a busy lunch time can look like!), giving team members the chance to progress or finding ways to make your dining experience special, her energy and dedication shine through.
This award isn’t just about me; it’s a celebration of my fantastic team, a supportive client and my bosses Anita and John, who led me to this moment through their ongoing support. Most importantly, this is about the wonderful customers I get to work with.
It is an incredible honour, especially considering that London is home to many impressive headquarters and offices where BaxterStorey serves as a caterer and competing with those in the finance and tech sectors is genuinely remarkable.
Ultimately, it shows that creativity and education can not only compete but can truly shine on big stages. I’m so proud to be part of a community where ideas thrive and make a real difference. Thank you all for the support!
🏆 Kitchen Porter of the Year – Alpabahen Patel (Our Mrs. Patel)
Although you might not see Mrs. Patel that often, she is the heart of the kitchen whose attention to detail and passion help make everything run smoothly. From the prep in the kitchen in the early hours, to helping out on the frontline during service and staying until the last pots are scrubbed clean, her can-do attitude and contagious smile never waver.
This award is long overdue recognition for someone who quietly makes a huge difference every day.
Thank you, I am grateful for this acknowledgement of my hard work. I feel really honoured. This honour isn’t just mine, it belongs to all who motivated, encouraged and supported me.
Thank you, BaxterStorey; thank you, my manager, Vladka; and thank you, Anita and John, for providing such a great platform to explore and develop my skills. I see this award not just as a personal, or team win, but as a sign of what we can achieve when we work together with a shared goal.
Let's keep pushing boundaries, sharing ideas and supporting each other. I am excited about what we will accomplish next. Once again, thank you so much. I feel motivated by this positive reinforcement.
Vladka Sabikova and Mrs Patel holding their awards.
And a special shoutout to Rudy, our Head Chef at Central Saint Martins who was also up for the Chef of the Year Award!
The exciting menus created for the canteen? Rudy is the chef behind it all. His dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and diverse, delicious dishes ensure that every student and staff member on campus leaves with a full stomach while keeping the food sustainable and delicious.
Not to mention his deep investment into student feedback, he even championed the QR code feedback system you see in our cafés and canteens every day, always striving to listen to your needs and create change.
Rudy holding his award with our London College of Fashion team.
Massive congratulations to Vladka, Mrs. Patel and Rudy – your passion, hard work and kindness don’t go unnoticed. We’re lucky to have you.
Here's to more award-winning service and delicious food and drink!
Find out more about our incredible catering team.
Contact:
Follow us @ualcatering for more updates.
