Throughout July regional heats have been taking place across Scotland, the North, Midlands, Wales, South West and South East with care chefs showcasing why they deserve a place in the final. The national final will take place on 6 October at Manor Farm Cookery School in Grantham.
The judges selected the 12 finalists based on nutritional understanding, culinary flair, menu balance, presentation and hygiene.
The finalists have been challenged to create a two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced.
The 12 finalists include:
- David Whistler, The Cambridgeshire Care Home, Cambridge
- Matt Knott, Fernhill House Majesticare, Worcester
- Paul Murray, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York
- Aaron Watson, Primrose Bank Care Home, Poulton-le-Fylde
- Iain Young, Murrayside Care Home, Care UK, Edinburgh
- John Grover, Barchester Care, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen
- David Sharp, Bentley House, Signature Care Homes, Hertford
- Emilio Pascucci, Astbury Manor Care Home, Avery Healthcare, Bracknell
- Patrick Fensterseifer, St Ives House, Ringwood
- Daniel Kavanagh, Green Tree Court, Lexicon Healthcare, Exeter
- Nikki Burridge, Penpergwm House, Abergavenny
- Paul Barry, Sunrise Senior Living Cardiff
Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, commented: “Congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2021! The regional heats were incredibly exciting and the fact that we were once again able to welcome our competitors and judges into the competition kitchens in person was just wonderful.
“The national final is going to be a real celebration of our sector and the exceptional standard of food that care chefs create for their residents and clientele every single day. I cannot wait to watch the action unfold at the live final – it’s going to be a thrilling and uplifting occasion. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck!”
The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is supported by the main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks.