Food at Westergate House Care Home

My name is Chris, and I am the Head Chef here at Westergate House.

I qualified as a chef in 1992 and served in the Royal Navy for 24 years, both in service and as a head chef. After leaving the Navy, I had an amazing experience of being able to take part in ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ and reached the quarter-finals. I have also cooked for several members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, Prince Philip on his 90th birthday and the Countess of Wessex.

As Chef here at Westergate House, I appreciate the value of mealtimes and how much they are looked forward to as a very important part of the day.  I am focused on providing delicious meals that ensure complete nutrition, making good use of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Together with our exceptional kitchen team, I provide a varied menu, ensuring I listen to the residents’ choices and preferences.  We love an event day, of which there are plenty of celebrations at Westergate House, and I am only too happy to cater for open days, community days, birthdays and anything else that is special.  Quite often we explore different themes and enjoy preparing dishes from around the globe; different flavours and ideas which add to the spice of life.  If residents and their families or friends fancy dining together, it is a pleasure to prepare for a party, lunch or celebration tea, and visitors to the home are very welcome to help themselves to tea, coffee and cake anytime.

Last year, I was thrilled to be nominated and enroled in Barchester's renowned Chef Academy, and enjoyed the tutelage of Hospitality Development and Standards Manager, Mervyn Knights, enhancing my knowledge of cooking for residents living with dementia.

Working at Westergate House is a privilege; I am proud to be part of such a fabulous team.