Food and Nutrition at Milford House
Under the direction of our Head Chef, Hayley Dibden, our team of talented chefs and catering staff are dedicated to providing a range of delicious, nourishing and well presented food whatever the nutritional and dietary requirements of our individual Residents. Taking into account seasonal availability and the likes and dislikes of our Residents, a varied and tasty range of menu options are offered daily and light snacks and delicious teas, with home-made cakes of course, are available throughout the day and night. Families and friends are also welcome to come and join Residents for meals or special celebrations.
Dietary requirements
For residents that have difficulties in swallowing we modify the menu of the day so that is it a soft, palatable dish. To support our chefs in producing these dishes, our hospitality and Chef Academy organises theory and practical workshops. Working in partnership with Nutricia, our practical workshops involve all chefs and deputy managers learning about dysphagia and producing these modified menus. The chefs work with the chef trainer to prepare fork mashable and thick puree meals to the correct consistency, taste and presentation. The deputy managers can then ensure all modified menus served are presented correctly for our residents.
Attracting top chefs
Our chefs are recruited on the basis of an interview with the regional hospitality support team and the manager for the home. Selection also involves a practical element where potential cooks are asked to cook for and meet a panel of people living in the home. Chefs take their job extremely seriously and our annual 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'.
