The Creed Care Chef of the Year Competition
Our third annual Creed Care Chef of the Year competition was an unforgettable celebration of creativity, skill, and passion for care catering. This year’s challenge? A “themed menu” that showcased not only culinary excellence but also storytelling, culture, and innovation.
Chefs from across the care sector rose to the occasion, bringing global flavours, imaginative props, and even decorations to the table. The judging panel – Rob Owen (Executive Business Development Chef, Creed Foodservice), Preston Walker (Director, OHK), and James Ball (Director, OHK) – faced their toughest decision yet, even calling for a re-taste before making the final call.
We are proud to share our winner, Debbie-Ann Walker from PJ Care, who wowed the judges with “a true island feast wrapped up with love and soul.”
The winning dish
Debbie-Ann’s stunning Jamaican-inspired dish featured:
Tender slow-roasted goat curry, wrapped in a pan-fried dumpling
Served with red pepper chutney and Jamaican-style chargrilled vegetables
To complement the dish, she created a vibrant hydration drink called “Rainbow Roots,” a colourful, nutrient-packed blend inspired by the fresh produce of Jamaica, designed to highlight the importance of hydration and nutrition for care residents.
The final presentation included themed table decorations and music to create a person-centric approach to dining in a care setting. The final dish was bursting with culture, creativity, and excitement, a well-deserved win for third Care Chef of the Year!
Celebrating our finalists
We also want to celebrate all our incredible finalists for their dedication and artistry:
Simon Cook – Guild Care
Ash Davies – Dormy Care Communities
Josh Hawker – Ablecare Homes
Boudjemaa Ould-Ameur – Avery Healthcare
Karl Turner – Athena Care Homes (UK) Ltd
Every chef brought something truly special to the table, proving that care catering is about so much more than food; it’s about creating experiences that nourish both body and soul.
2025's competition success
Congratulations again to all our finalists, you’ve set a new standard for creativity and care! Keep an eye out for the next event in 2026.
