Kingfisher Court care home chef makes Chef of the Year national final

A Sutton-in-Ashfield care home chef has got through to the finals of our annual Chef of the Year competition.

Chefs from across our care homes took part in the competition by submitting a three-course menu - starter, main course, and dessert. Shaun West, a Chef Manager at Kingfisher Court care home entered with Pan fried mushrooms-madeira garlic cream on homemade toasted bread, Pan fried chicken breast -red wine bacon & mushroom sauce - garlic & thyme roasted baby potatoes - sauteed green beans - roasted carrots, and White chocolate & raspberry cheesecake – raspberry coulis – white choc & raspberry shard – burnt white choc crumb.

The judges looked at the nutritional value of the meals and how residents had been involved in choosing the menu. 

Shaun now joins the three other finalists to see who will be crowned this year’s Chef of the Year. The finalists will face the heat in the kitchens of The School of Artisan Food on Thursday 3 July when they prepare their menus for the judges.

Gaynor Smart-McCann, Home Manager at Kingfisher Court care home, said:

We’re all so happy for Shaun, it’s honestly the least he deserves. His recipes are truly delightful and a big hit with our residents too. Everyone here at Kingfisher Court care home loves his cooking and I bet the judges did too!

Shaun is delighted to be in the final, saying:

I still can’t quite believe I’ve made it! I’m deeply honoured by what the judges thought about my dishes and I’m hoping I can really do them justice in the final. I got my inspiration for the recipes from the team and residents at Kingfisher Court care home. 

At the end of the day, it’s our residents who I’m making this all for, so it makes sense they decided what I should cook. Some of them even helped with making the dishes, so maybe they’re the ones who should be getting the credit!

Alongside the Chef of the Year competition, Anchor is holding a Catering Challenge which is new for 2025. The challenge will be held at The School of Artisan Food and will see eight Anchor Catering Assistants and Apprentices go head-to-head. 

Those involved will work with a Development Chef to produce a two-course meal and a snack with ingredients sourced at the location, which they’ll then have 90 minutes to cook and serve. 

Mealtimes are an important part of daily life in our care homes. Good quality home cooked food is central to ensuring residents have a positive experience. We are always on the lookout for chefs who want to make tasty and nutritious food for residents. To learn more about working for Anchor and to view current vacancies visit here.