The Elms, an Edinburgh care home managed by Cross Reach and catered by Caterplus Services, has beaten off stiff competition from almost 100 hopefuls to win the first-ever Best British Care Home Roast title.
Catering manager Craig Macfarlane impressed the judges, including representatives from the National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) and Age UK Surrey, thanks to an ‘exciting, creative and original’ roast beef and horseradish ice-cream meal.
Care home chefs were challenged to create two or more roasts with a flavoursome twist before telling us which one their residents preferred and why. The challenge was set by British Roast Dinner Week, sponsored by Knorr Gravy and supported by Colman’s, to encourage care homes to make mealtimes the highlight of residents’ days. In addition to the prestigious title, Best British Care Home Roast 2013, The Elms has also won a certificate; Knorr and Colman’s goodies; local coverage to shout about its success; and a giant board game for residents.
The competition was judged by Tim Franklin-Heys, head of culinary at Unilever Food Solutions UK; Mary Wedge, deputy chair of the NACC; and Elizabeth Whiddett, marketing and communications manager at Age UK.
Craig Macfarlane says: “I’d been waiting for an opportunity to try out something new for my residents, so when I heard about the competition horseradish ice-cream seemed like a good idea. They really enjoyed it so it’s going to appear on my menu more often. I’m so proud of my creation; it’s given me the confidence be creative in the kitchen.”
Tim Franklin-Heys says: “There were lots of interesting entries which made it a very difficult competition to judge – the standard was so high. When we got to The Elms’ entry it really changed the direction of the contest because Craig clearly understood that he needed to make his roast stand out. The horseradish ice-cream was very clever.”
The judges chose three runners up and seven finalists who will also take home prizes, including Knorr Gravy, Dove and Colman’s kits.
Tim continues: “We’re really pleased that so many care caterers got behind the competition and took the time to submit their best entries. From three bird roasts and lime-glazed pork to Medieval-themed banquets and Italian feasts, residents had plenty of culinary treats during British Roast Dinner Week, making mealtimes the highlight of their day, which is what it’s all about.”
Runners up:
Certificate, five tubs of Knorr Gravy and Colman’s and Dove kit
- Goodwins Hall, Norfolk (Hallmark Care Group)
- St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester
- St Peter’s House, Suffolk (County Care Homes)
Finalists:
Certificate and Colman’s kit
- Cwrt Enfys Care Home, Swansea (Hallmark Care Group)
- Elmhurst Care Home, Bishop’s Stortford
- The Bridgewell Centre, Bracknell
- Etheldred Care Home, Cambridge
- Borovere Residential Home, Hampshire
- Lister Care Home, Ripon (Royal British Legion)
- Moundsley Hall, Birmingham (Moundsley Care Group)