Food at Crandon Springs Care Home
We understand that food is vital to the health and well-being of those we support. Our trained chefs are passionate about creating food that is delicious, nutritious, nourishes the body and soul, and tailored to personal tastes.
It is essential that the people we support have access to healthy food at all times, so our fantastic catering team are always on hand to prepare tasty and nutritious cuisine. Our food is cooked to highest standard and with residents’ preferences always in mind. The importance of a balanced diet is never forgotten here, so we offer a varied menu that has something for everyone to enjoy, which you can sample below:
Simon Jackson
I have over 40 years of culinary experience which has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support our residents wellbeing.
My culinary journey began in the armed forces where I catered for specialist teams including bomb disposal and diving units. This early experience instilled in me the value of good nourishment to maintain physical health and emotional wellbeing, and the importance of precision and team work. I have worked in some of Wells' most respected restaurants and hotels, as well as care home catering which provided me with further insight into the nutritional needs of older adults.
At Crandon Springs, I really enjoy designing delicious, home-cooked meals tailored to residents' preferences and dietary requirements, and I'm passionate about making a meaningful difference through food. It's incredibly rewarding to see the pleasure a well-prepared meal can bring to someone's day alongside the vital nutritional benefits.
Personally, I do love a good sandwich (BLT, chicken or pastrami, with mustard and pickles) and cooking Lamb Wellingon for my wife and three boys when we're all together.
Dietary requirements
For residents who have difficulties swallowing, we modify the menu of the day so that the dishes are more palatable for them. To support our chefs in producing these dishes, our hospitality team and our Chef Academy organise theory and practical workshops. The chefs work with the chef trainer to prepare tasty, modified meals safely and according to IDDSI frame work. This encourages residents to eat and enjoy their food. All our chefs have been trained in IDDSI food descriptors.
Attracting top chefs
Our chefs are recruited on the basis of an interview with the regional hospitality support team and the manager of the home. Selection also involves a practical element, where potential chefs are asked to cook for and meet a panel of people living in the home. Chefs take their job extremely seriously and the annual Barchester Chef Competition sees our chefs battle it out in regional heats and then at a national final for the accolade of 'Barchester's Chef of the Year'.
