Elmbrook Court Care Home Young Chef Wins Prestigious Catering Award

Young care home chef wins prestigious catering award

A sous chef at Elmbrook Court care home has had his skills recognised with a top industry award. Liam Balmer, 26, achieved the Annual Award of Excellence from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts after a gruelling three-stage assessment.

The awards are the most prestigious available to young chefs in the hospitality sector and evaluate their expertise in technical mastery, creativity, and their ability to meet the highest standards of excellence. Liam said he’s delighted with his achievement.

“I was the only chef at the final assessment from the care sector,” he said.  “I entered the awards to see what I could achieve but also to show that the standard of food we produce at Elmbrook Court is high, and level of detail is exceptional.”

After making it through the semi-finals, Liam was tasked with recreating a classic three-course menu in five hours, including showcasing his creativity with the contents of a mystery basket of vegetables.  His menu of crab pasta, stuffed quail and cherry clafoutis was then assessed by a panel of judges.

Elmbrook Court’s registered manager, Rebecca Warman, said they are incredibly proud of Liam’s achievement. “This award is very well deserved.  Liam demonstrates that care home cuisine can be both award-winning and accessible to all, creating meals that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, regardless of dietary restrictions.  His flair, pride, and meticulous attention to detail have made our dining room a place where residents eagerly anticipate every meal. “Liam’s dedication and culinary expertise are transforming the dining experience in the care sector.”

With a range of health needs among the residents at Elmbrook Court, Liam also has to produce tailored meals for different dietary requirements including pureed foods for those who have difficulty swallowing.

“I see the residents as being like my family,” Liam adds.  “If I wouldn’t serve a dish to my family, then I wouldn’t serve it to them, it has to be the same quality.  I apply those standards to every different dietary need.  Everyone deserves to be able to eat with dignity.”

Jenny Tyack has lived at Elmbrook Court for three years and said Liam makes every meal feel special. “We are very proud of Liam.  I had visitors who joined me for lunch today and they thought it was first class,” she said.  “The food here is so good that I have started to put weight on!”

Liam will be presented with his award at a gala celebration dinner at Claridges in London, where he’ll also find out if he will be crowned Young Chef of the Year.

Giles Conroy, Group Executive Chef for the home’s parent company, Oakland Care, said he would be a worthy winner.

“Liam’s culinary skills and appetite to achieve are truly admirable.  Recognition in such a prestigious competition is truly well deserved and demonstrates the superior level of repertoire and capability of chefs we have within Oakland Care.”

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