Whitchurch Chef Wins National Health Care Operator’s ‘Cook Off’!

Richard 51, from Redfield in Bristol, competed against 4 other chefs from Avery Healthcare’s homes across the country in the second of the regional heats. Richard who joined Bamfield Care Home in July 2011 started his career as a chef in the Royal Navy and saw action in the Falklands War. Following the end of his service Richard worked at various hotels and restaurants across the West Country before finally joining Avery Healthcare.

Richard said of his win, “I am thrilled to have won this round and am looking forward to competing in the finals this spring. Meal times are an important time for residents both socially and nutritionally and the team here at Bamfield aim to create first class food. It is a challenge as we need to cater for a wide range of palates, and many residents have specific nutritional needs but this means I am motivated to develop my skills further as a chef and the skills of my team”.

The event, the second of the regional heats, was held at The Red Lion in East Haddon, Northampton run by Michelin Star Chef Adam Gray.

Richard added, “The second round of the competition was fantastic and to be coached by Michelin Star Chef Adam Gray was inspiring. Although winning was and is important to me, I gained a tremendous amount from the day. For me by far the most important thing is looking after residents in a way I know how. Many do not have family – there is no better feeling than seeing someone face light up because of something I’ve prepared for them. I had an open mind entering this competition and I feel a great sense of personal achievement to have got this far. I look forward to the final”.

Avery Healthcare is a national care operator with a superb reputation for producing top quality food across it’s homes, in 2010 Simon Lawrence, chef at Aire View Care Home Care Home in Leeds won the Chef of the Year Award at the National Care Awards where he competed with chefs from care homes around the country in the national ‘Cook Off' to win the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ award.

Hayley Strowbridge, Commissioning & Hotel Services Manager at Avery Healthcare, “We have a rigorous recruitment policy at Avery, all employees go through an intensive interview process and we make significant investment in a continuous staff training programme to ensure we remain at the top of our game. Our chef’s are selected for being extremely talented individuals with a true passion for food.
As part of their training programme we planned a short course at Adam’s Cookery School where our chefs are required to prepare their interpretation of a set dish under the careful tutelage of Adam and to bring a fun element to events, Avery decided to host its very own Masterchef Cook Off. All winners from the regional heats will compete against each other - the winner will secure a weekend away for two at the magnificent Stapleford Park Country House Hotel near Melton Mowbray.”