Food at Orchard House 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.
Our irresistible cuisine is prepared with only the very best fresh, seasonal produce, and based on the individual tastes of the people we support. Our menu will satisfy even those with the smallest of appetites; from breakfast through to dinner, residents can discover something different with fresh flavour and lovely presentation. Our fantastic chefs are always keeping themselves busy in the kitchen creating new and exciting dishes for everyone to enjoy. Please see below for a sample of what we offer:
Lauren Round
I’m Lauren Round, and I’m proud to be the Head Chef here at Orchard House. My journey with Orchard House started back in 2018 when I joined as a General Assistant. Over time, my passion for cooking grew stronger.
I completed the Envy Q3 Chef Training Programme at Barchester. Not long after, I stepped up as Second Chef, which gave me the chance to really develop my skills in the kitchen.
In 2024, I am honoured to take on the role of Head Chef, and I’m excited to lead our fantastic kitchen team.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I love creating meals that bring people together.
Originally, I’m from Shropshire. I moved over from the mainland about ten years ago, and Orchard House has felt like home ever since. I’m looking forward to many more years here, sharing good food and great experiences with everyone who visits us.
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'.
