The competition aims to celebrate culinary excellence in HC-One’s care homes, highlighting the passion, creativity and skills of its chefs in enhancing residents' dining experiences.
During the first stage of the competition, HC-One care home catering colleagues submitted their signature dishes, designed for a care home setting, highlighting their nutritional benefits and explaining why the dish deserved to win.
Each dish included a regular version and a Level 5 Minced and Moist alternative for residents with specific needs. The 12 HC-One semi-finalists shortlisted for the Chef of the Year competition are:
Scotland care homes
- Roy Simpson, Head Chef at Balfarg Care Home
- William Coats, Chef Manager at Quayside Care Home
North West care homes
- Emma Jones, Chef Manager at Altham Court Care Home
- Sean Hampson, Chef at Rosebridge Court Care Home
- Leam Cave, Head Chef at Holme Lea Care Home
North East care homes
- Deb Bailey-Knibbs, Chef Manager at Highfield Care Home
- Kieran Oldroyd, Kitchen Assistant at Snapethorpe Hall Care Home
- Mark Evans, Chef Manager at Augustus Court Care Home
South care homes
- Tatenda Don Jailos, Chef Manager at The Harefield Care Home
- Philip Greenwood, Chef Manager at Elstree Court Care Home
Midlands care homes
- Duane Brown, Head Chef at Bradley Hall Care Home
- Beata Matusiak, Chef at Harley Grange Care Home
The 12 semi-finalists will progress to the second stage of the competition and begin their journey towards the title. The semi-final and second stage will be a live cook-off and will take place on 18th June at Printworks Campus Leeds City College.
Six finalists will advance to the final stage on 24th July, competing for the title of HC-One Chef of the Year. The winner will receive a trip to a secret culinary destination known for its rich food heritage.
Judges will assess the creativity, presentation, taste, and flavour of the dishes, ensuring they are visually appealing and delicious for residents. Hydration and wellbeing are also key factors, with a focus on how the dish supports residents' health.
Mark Meacham, head of catering and housekeeping support services at HC-One, said: “Congratulations to our shortlisted semi-finalists who have demonstrated exceptional talent in their culinary craft, sanding out amongst numerous entries from across the organisation. They will now progress to the next stage of the competition, where they will showcase their skills in front of a panel of judges.
“We extend out warmest congratulations to all 12 semi-finalists and thank every chef who has participated. We look forward to an exciting next phase and wish all contestants the very best of luck.”