Food at Westgate 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 dishes here are constantly evolving, and take into account the desires of those we support, integrating seasonality into everything we prepare. Food and nutrition are at the heart of the home, so it is important that residents can enjoy a balanced diet that caters to individual dietary requirements. Whether people want to try something new and exciting, or just enjoy an old favourite, there is something for everyone on our menu. Please see below for more information:
Sandra Riley
Hello, my name is Sandra. I am the Head Chef here at Westgate House.
I have been working at Westgate House since August 2021 and I love this team and the residents. With over twenty-five years of chef experience I know how to make the residents happy at every meal time. Whilst I enjoy introducing residents to some of my Caribbean food, it is also important that I provide a wide range of traditional English dishes too - it wouldn't be Friday without Fish 'N' Chips!
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'.
