The chefs will compete in the final of the competition, which recognises chefs operating within the care catering sector, on Wednesday, June 7 at Barking and Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy.
Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a fantastic platform to showcase the incredible skills and knowledge of chefs working in the care sector.
“From ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and beneficial, through to catering for individuals needs such as special diets, cultural requirements, reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia, there is an awful lot to consider when creating delicious, appealing menus.”
In the regional heat, each chef had to produce a two-course menu in front of a panel of expert judges and judged on nutritional understanding, flavour, execution and presentation.
The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2017 finalists are:
Callum Chapman, The Close Care Home, Burcot
Paul Criggall, Turning Point Smithfield Services, Manchester
Glenn Francis, Abbeyfield Ballachulish
Craig Handley, Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff
Roger Heathcote, Signature at The Miramar, Herne Bay
Adam Hedges, Sunrise of Mobberley
David Higgins, Brendoncare Foundation, Winchester
Simon Lewis, Gracewell of Frome
Peter McGregor, Perry Manor, Worcester
Martin McKee, The Hawthorns, Aldridge
Stuart Middleton, Meallmore Lodge Care Home, Inverness
Sam Nurse of Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames