Local Chef is Vegetarian for Life Care Catering Awards Winner

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Ashfields Care Home in Rackheath are overjoyed because one of their talented chefs, Tom Waters, has won a Vegetarian for Life Care Catering Award. Tom’s delicious recipe for ‘Chickpea Tuna’, his take on Tuna Mayonnaise, which confusingly has no tuna but does have chickpeas, mayo, spring onion, lemon juice, cider vinegar, sweetcorn and seaweed, won the Most Innovative Dish category.

This year marked the sixth Vegetarian for Life Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering. With more vegans and vegetarians moving into residential care every year, this annual award recognises those who are pioneering the way in modern care catering.

Tom has been a chef in the care sector for five years, he joined Ashfields in 2017.  Prior to that he worked as a Kitchen Assistant at another Barchester care home, Woodside House in Norwich. Tom has been veggie for six years and vegan for four, he loves to experiment with different ways to make veggie alternatives to classic dishes for his residents.

Tom comments: “I absolutely love my job, nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing our residents eating well and enjoying their food, it really is the best feeling in the world to know your meals are so appreciated. It’s what motivates me, I can’t think of anything more worthwhile.”

General Manager of Ashfields, Wendell Damasco, says: “We couldn’t be prouder of Tom, he has done so well to win this award.  He cares so much about putting together wonderful meals for our residents, we’re just so happy to see all his hard work recognised.”

Vegetarian for Life’s CEO, Amanda Woodvine, comments: "Well done to Tom Waters, our winner of ‘Most Innovative Veggie Dish’. We were impressed by his use of simple ingredients to create this tasty dish offering more choice to veggie and vegan residents".

We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes.  Please do give us a call on 01603 721720 if you are looking for care or need any further help.

Ashfields Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Ashfields Care Home provides Residential, Dementia & Nursing Care.