The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has unveiled the care chefs set to compete in the national final of Care Chef of the Year 2025.
Five regional heats have already been held, with the winning chefs going forward to represent their region in the national final, which is scheduled to take place on 1 October. The heats focused on the importance of food, nutrition, and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care. Chefs were challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting at no more than £4.50 per head.
The finalists are:
- Lorna Parsons, Colten Care
- Jack Wood, Colten Care
- Anna Koziarska, Meallmore Ltd
- Jessica Vreede, Guthrie House Care Home
- James Adcock, Aaron Court, Abbey Healthcare
- Matthew Burke, Care UK
- Dawn Louise Brown, Greenholme Care Home, Avery Healthcare
- Alex Connell, Vegetarian for Life
- Ilona Tomaz, Porthavent Care Home
- Clare Broadbent, Devonshire House, Harbour Healthcare
- Steven Wright, Caring Homes
- Caitlin Goodall, AbleCare Homes
Head Judge Steve Munkley, VP of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “This is the fifth year I have been involved and it’s going brilliantly. The standards continue to improve year on year and we have some great cooks out there in the Care Sector. This competition is a brilliant example of showcasing that talent.”
Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “Congratulations to all those making the final of the NACC Care Chef of the Year Competition 2025! We are celebrating the Silver Jubilee of this fantastic event. The standards that we see in this competition is as high as it has ever been and the dishes served would bring delight to any diner, wherever they were eating. The finalists should be immensely proud of their efforts so far. I am sure that they will want to impress the judges once more in October.”
